WO2022270444A1

WO2022270444A1 - Lighting device

Info

Publication number: WO2022270444A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/024412
Authority: WO
Inventors: 幸次朗池田; 健夫小糸; 多惠黒川
Original assignee: 株式会社ジャパンディスプレイ
Priority date: 2021-06-22
Filing date: 2022-06-17
Publication date: 2022-12-29
Also published as: CN117296001A; US20240102633A1; JPWO2022270444A1

Abstract

This lighting device has: a light source having a first optical element and a second optical element that emit light having directivity; and one liquid crystal optical element through which light emitted from the light source transmits or in which the light diffuses while transmitting therethrough. The light source is disposed such that the light-emitting direction of the first optical element is different from the light-emitting direction of the second optical element. The liquid crystal optical element has: a first electrode group opposing a light-emitting surface of the first optical element; and a second electrode group opposing a light-emitting surface of the second optical element and disposed adjacent to the first electrode group. The first electrode group has: first transparent electrodes; and second transparent electrodes alternately arranged with the first transparent electrodes. The second electrode group has: third transparent electrodes; and fourth transparent electrodes alternately arranged with the third transparent electrodes. The pitch in which the first transparent electrodes and the second transparent electrodes are alternately arranged is different from the pitch in which the third transparent electrodes and the fourth transparent electrodes are alternately arranged.

Description

lighting equipment

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an element that controls light distribution using the optical properties of liquid crystals, and a lighting device that includes an element that controls light distribution using the optical properties of liquid crystals.

A liquid crystal lens is known as an optical element using liquid crystal (liquid crystal optical element) that electrically controls the focal length by supplying voltage to the liquid crystal to change the refractive index of the liquid crystal. For example,

Patent Documents

1 and 2 disclose a lighting device that controls the spread of light emitted from a light source using a liquid crystal cell provided with concentric electrodes. Further, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a beam shaping device pattern that controls light distribution by changing the shape of electrodes for supplying voltage to liquid crystal.

JP-A-2005-317879 JP 2010-230887 A JP 2014-160277 A

However, the illumination devices described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 use a liquid crystal lens, and are only aimed at condensing light by controlling the spread distribution of light, that is, the light distribution angle. In other words, in the illumination device described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, the light distribution pattern of light is limited to concentric circles. In addition, the beam shaping device described in Patent Document 3 requires a liquid crystal having a complicated configuration in order to obtain variations in the light alignment pattern, such as changing the pattern of electrodes applied to the liquid crystal to change the light distribution pattern. A cell was required, and mass productivity was poor.

In view of the above problem, one of the objects of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal optical element and a lighting device capable of controlling light distribution or light distribution pattern.

An illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light source having a first optical element and a second optical element that emit light having directivity, and transmitting or transmitting light emitted from the light source. and one liquid crystal optical element for diffusing, wherein the light source is arranged such that the first optical element and the second optical element emit light in different directions, and the liquid crystal optical element comprises the A first electrode group on the light exit surface of the first optical element, and a second electrode group provided adjacent to the first electrode group so as to face the light exit surface of the second optical element. and, the first electrode group includes first transparent electrodes and second transparent electrodes alternately arranged in a comb shape with the first transparent electrodes, and The electrode group has a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode arranged alternately with the third transparent electrode in a comb shape, and the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. are alternately arranged, is different from the pitch at which the third transparent electrodes and the fourth transparent electrodes are alternately arranged.

1 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of an optical element according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. In a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, a fifth transparent electrode, a sixth transparent electrode, a ninth transparent electrode, and FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of tenth transparent electrodes. In a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention, a third transparent electrode, a fourth transparent electrode, a seventh transparent electrode, an eighth transparent electrode, an eleventh transparent electrode on the second substrate, and FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a twelfth transparent electrode; FIG. 2 is a schematic end cross-sectional view showing the orientation of liquid crystals in a liquid crystal layer in a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic end cross-sectional view showing the orientation of liquid crystals in a liquid crystal layer in a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view for explaining connection of transparent electrodes of a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 18A to 28H are schematic diagrams showing light distribution patterns of light emitted from the illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional end view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional end view of an optical element according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is an end sectional view of a lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a light source according to a second embodiment of the invention; It is an end sectional view of a lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the liquid crystal optical element according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, the fifth transparent electrode, the sixth transparent electrode, the ninth transparent electrode on the first substrate, and a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a tenth transparent electrode. In the liquid crystal optical element according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the third transparent electrode, the fourth transparent electrode, the seventh transparent electrode, the eighth transparent electrode, the eleventh transparent electrode on the second substrate, and FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the 12th transparent electrode. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view for explaining connection of transparent electrodes of a liquid crystal optical element according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a light source according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; The light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 28A to 28F are schematic diagrams showing light distribution patterns of light emitted from the illumination device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different aspects and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. In order to make the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but this is only an example and limits the interpretation of the present disclosure. not a thing Also, in the present specification and figures, elements similar to those described above with respect to previous figures may be identified by the same reference numerals, numerals followed by letters such as a, b, A, B, or numerals followed by hyphens and numerals. , and detailed description may be omitted as appropriate. Further, the letters "first" and "second" for each element are convenient labels used to distinguish each element and have no further meaning unless otherwise specified.

In this specification, when a member or region is “above (or below)” another member or region, it means directly above (or directly below) the other member or region unless otherwise specified. Includes not only one case but also the case above (or below) another member or region, that is, the case where another component is included between above (or below) another member or region .

Further, in this specification, when one film is processed to form a plurality of structures, each structure may have different functions and roles, and each structure may have different functions and roles. The underlying substrate may be different. However, these multiple structures originate from films formed as the same layer in the same process and have the same material. Therefore, these multiple films are defined as existing in the same layer.

Further, in the present specification, "α includes A, B or C", "α includes any one of A, B and C", "α is one selected from the group consisting of A, B and C "including" does not exclude the case where α includes a plurality of combinations of A to C unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, these expressions do not exclude the case where α contains other elements.

<First Embodiment>
<1-1. Configuration of lighting device 30>
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional end view showing an example of a lighting device 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of an optical element 40 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, illumination device 30 includes one liquid crystal optical element 10 and light source 20 .

Although details will be described later, the liquid crystal optical element 10 includes a first liquid crystal cell 110a, a second liquid crystal cell 110b, a third liquid crystal cell 110c, a fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, a first transparent adhesive layer 130a, a second transparent adhesive layer 130b and a third transparent adhesive layer 130c. The first transparent adhesive layer 130a is provided between the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b, and the second transparent adhesive layer 130b is provided between the second liquid crystal cell 110b and the third liquid crystal cell 110b. 110c, and the third transparent adhesive layer 130c is provided between the third liquid crystal cell 110c and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. First liquid crystal cell 110a, first transparent adhesive layer 130a, second liquid crystal cell 110b, second transparent adhesive layer 130b, third liquid crystal cell 110c, third transparent adhesive layer 130c, and fourth liquid crystal The cells 110d are stacked in the z-axis direction.

The first transparent adhesive layer 130a adheres and fixes the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b. Similar to the first transparent adhesive layer 130a, the second transparent adhesive layer 130b adheres and fixes the second liquid crystal cell 110b and the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the third transparent adhesive layer 130c The third liquid crystal cell 110c and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d are adhered and fixed.

An optical elastic resin can be used as a material for forming the first transparent adhesive layer 130a, the second transparent adhesive layer 130b, and the third transparent adhesive layer 130c. The optical elastic resin is, for example, an adhesive containing acrylic resin having translucency.

The light source 20 has an optical element 40 and a support member 50a. The light source 20 is arranged below the first liquid crystal cell 110 a of the liquid crystal optical element 10 . Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 20 passes through the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d in order.

The support member 50 a has a role of supporting (fixing) the optical element 40 . The support member 50a has a curved surface, and has a convex shape in a cross-sectional view. For the support member 50a, for example, a polycarbonate substrate (PCB substrate), a ceramic substrate, or a metal substrate based on a metal material such as aluminum or copper can be used.

In this embodiment, the optical element 40 is composed of a first optical element 40a, a second optical element 40b, and a third optical element 40c. The first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction in plan view. In this embodiment, the first optical element 40a is arranged next to the second optical element 40b, and the second optical element 40b is arranged next to the third optical element 40c. In addition, in this embodiment, the optical element may be called an optical section.

The first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c are mounted on the curved surface of the support member 50a. The first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c have directivity in the light emitting direction. The first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c are arranged so that the directions of light emission are different. The light emitted from the optical element 40 is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the surface in contact with the curved surface. For example, when the optical elements are arranged as shown in FIG. 1, the first optical element 40a emits light 180a obliquely to the right with respect to the z-axis direction, and the second optical element 40b emits light 180a in the z-axis direction. , and the third optical element 40c emits the light 180c obliquely to the left with respect to the z-axis direction. In each of the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c, the plane including the direction in which light is emitted is sometimes called a light emitting plane.

In this embodiment, the optical element 40 and the liquid crystal optical element 10 are arranged as shown in FIG. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, one liquid crystal optical element 10 is provided for three optical elements having different light emitting directions, i.e., the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c. placed. As a result, three optical elements are used as a left light source, a center light source, and a right light source, and the liquid crystal optical element 10 transmits or diffuses the light emitted from each optical element in different directions. can be made As a result, the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment can variously control the light distribution and the light distribution pattern.

In this embodiment, the light source 20 is composed of three optical elements (the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c). It is not limited to the configuration according to the form. For example, the light source 20 may be composed of at least two or more optical elements emitting light in different directions. Since the light source 20 is composed of at least two or more optical elements emitting light in different directions, the liquid crystal optical element 10 transmits or diffuses the light emitted from each optical element in different directions. The illumination device 30 according to the embodiment can variously control light distribution and light distribution pattern.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c is composed of a light emitting element 210 and a reflector 220, for example.

The light emitting element 210 is, for example, a light bulb, a fluorescent lamp, a cold cathode tube, a light emitting diode (LED), or a laser diode (LD). In this embodiment, the light emitting element 210 is an LED. The luminous efficiency of LEDs is generally higher than that of light bulbs, fluorescent lights, and the like. Therefore, the lighting device 30 using LEDs is a lighting device with high brightness and low power consumption. Note that LEDs and LDs include organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic laser diodes (OLDs), respectively.

The reflector 220 can reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 210 and allow the reflected light to enter the liquid crystal optical element 10 . The shape of the reflector 220 is, for example, a substantially conical shape as shown in FIG. 2, but the shape of the reflector 220 is not limited to a substantially conical shape. Also, the surface of the reflector 220 may be flat or curved.

<1-2. Configuration of Liquid Crystal Optical Element 10>
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal optical element 10 includes a first liquid crystal cell 110a, a second liquid crystal cell 110b, a third liquid crystal cell 110c, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. The first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d are stacked in the z-axis direction. The second liquid crystal cell 110b is provided on the first liquid crystal cell 110a. The third liquid crystal cell 110c is provided on the second liquid crystal cell 110b. The fourth liquid crystal cell 110d is provided on the third liquid crystal cell 110c.

4 and 5 are schematic cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the zx plane cut along the A1-A2 line shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the B1-B2 line shown in FIG. It is a schematic cross-sectional view in the cut yz-plane. In the present embodiment, the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction that intersects with the x-axis direction, and the z-axis that intersects with the x-axis and y-axis are referred to as the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, respectively. There is Also, the x-axis is perpendicular to the y-axis, and the z-axis is perpendicular to the xy plane (x-axis and y-axis).

The first liquid crystal cell 110a includes a first transparent electrode 181a, a second transparent electrode 182a, a fifth transparent electrode 185a, a sixth transparent electrode 186a, a ninth transparent electrode 189a, and a tenth transparent electrode 190a. The formed first substrate 111a, the third transparent electrode 183a, the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a, the eighth transparent electrode 188a, the eleventh transparent electrode 191a and the twelfth transparent electrode and a second substrate 121a having 192a formed thereon.

A first transparent electrode 181a, a second transparent electrode 182a, a fifth transparent electrode 185a, a sixth transparent electrode 186a, a ninth transparent electrode 189a and a tenth transparent electrode 190a are formed on the first substrate 111a. A first alignment film 114a is formed to cover the .

Further, a third transparent electrode 183a, a fourth transparent electrode 184a, a seventh transparent electrode 187a, an eighth transparent electrode 188a, an eleventh transparent electrode 191a and a twelfth transparent electrode 191a are formed on the second substrate 121a. A second alignment film 124a is formed to cover the electrode 192a.

Also, the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a on the first substrate 111a face the third transparent electrode 183a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a on the second substrate 121a. A fifth transparent electrode 185a and a sixth transparent electrode 186a on the first substrate 111a face a seventh transparent electrode 187a and an eighth transparent electrode 188a on the second substrate 121a. A ninth transparent electrode 189a and a tenth transparent electrode 190a on the first substrate 111a face an eleventh transparent electrode 191a and a twelfth transparent electrode 192a on the second substrate 121a.

A sealing material 150a is provided on the periphery of each of the first substrate 111a and the second substrate 121a, and bonds the first substrate 111a and the second substrate 121a. A liquid crystal layer 160a containing liquid crystal is formed by a first substrate 111a (more specifically, a first alignment film 114a), a second substrate 121a (more specifically, a second alignment film 124a), and a seal. It is provided in a space surrounded by the material 115 .

The second liquid crystal cell 110b includes a first transparent electrode 181b, a second transparent electrode 182b, a fifth transparent electrode 185b, a sixth transparent electrode 186b, a ninth transparent electrode 189b, and a tenth transparent electrode 190b. The formed first substrate 111b, the third transparent electrode 183b, the fourth transparent electrode 184b, the seventh transparent electrode 187b, the eighth transparent electrode 188b, the eleventh transparent electrode 191b and the twelfth transparent electrode and a second substrate 121b having 192b formed thereon.

A first transparent electrode 181b, a second transparent electrode 182b, a fifth transparent electrode 185b, a sixth transparent electrode 186b, a ninth transparent electrode 189b and a tenth transparent electrode 190b are formed on the first substrate 111b. A first alignment film 114b is formed to cover the .

Further, a third transparent electrode 183b, a fourth transparent electrode 184b, a seventh transparent electrode 187b, an eighth transparent electrode 188b, an eleventh transparent electrode 191b and a twelfth transparent electrode 191b are formed on the second substrate 121b. A second alignment film 124b is formed to cover the electrode 192b.

Also, the first transparent electrode 181b and the second transparent electrode 182b on the first substrate 111b face the third transparent electrode 183b and the fourth transparent electrode 184b on the second substrate 121b. A fifth transparent electrode 185b and a sixth transparent electrode 186b on the first substrate 111b face a seventh transparent electrode 187b and an eighth transparent electrode 188b on the second substrate 121b. A ninth transparent electrode 189b and a tenth transparent electrode 190b on the first substrate 111b face an eleventh transparent electrode 191b and a twelfth transparent electrode 192b on the second substrate 121b.

A sealing material 150b is provided on the periphery of each of the first substrate 111b and the second substrate 121b, and bonds the first substrate 111b and the second substrate 121b. A liquid crystal layer 160b containing liquid crystal is formed by a first substrate 111b (more specifically, a first alignment film 114b), a second substrate 121b (more specifically, a second alignment film 124b), and a seal. It is provided in a space surrounded by the material 115 .

The third liquid crystal cell 110c includes a first transparent electrode 181c, a second transparent electrode 182c, a fifth transparent electrode 185c, a sixth transparent electrode 186c, a ninth transparent electrode 189c, and a tenth transparent electrode 190c. The formed first substrate 111c, the third transparent electrode 183c, the fourth transparent electrode 184c, the seventh transparent electrode 187c, the eighth transparent electrode 188c, the eleventh transparent electrode 191c and the twelfth transparent electrode a second substrate 121c having 192c formed thereon.

A first transparent electrode 181c, a second transparent electrode 182c, a fifth transparent electrode 185c, a sixth transparent electrode 186c, a ninth transparent electrode 189c and a tenth transparent electrode 190c are formed on the first substrate 111c. A first alignment film 114c is formed to cover the .

A third transparent electrode 183c, a fourth transparent electrode 184c, a seventh transparent electrode 187c, an eighth transparent electrode 188c, an eleventh transparent electrode 191c and a twelfth transparent electrode 191c are formed on the second substrate 121c. A second alignment film 124c is formed to cover the electrode 192c.

Also, the first transparent electrode 181c and the second transparent electrode 182c on the first substrate 111c face the third transparent electrode 183c and the fourth transparent electrode 184c on the second substrate 121c. A fifth transparent electrode 185c and a sixth transparent electrode 186c on the first substrate 111c face a seventh transparent electrode 187c and an eighth transparent electrode 188c on the second substrate 121c. A ninth transparent electrode 189c and a tenth transparent electrode 190c on the first substrate 111c are opposed to an eleventh transparent electrode 191c and a twelfth transparent electrode 192c on the second substrate 121c.

A sealing material 150c is provided on the periphery of each of the first substrate 111c and the second substrate 121c, and bonds the first substrate 111c and the second substrate 121c. A liquid crystal layer 160c containing liquid crystal includes a first substrate 111c (more specifically, a first alignment film 114c), a second substrate 121c (more specifically, a second alignment film 124c), and a seal. It is provided in a space surrounded by the material 115c.

The fourth liquid crystal cell 110d includes a first transparent electrode 181d, a second transparent electrode 182d, a fifth transparent electrode 185d, a sixth transparent electrode 186d, a ninth transparent electrode 189d, and a tenth transparent electrode 190d. The formed first substrate 111d, the third transparent electrode 183d, the fourth transparent electrode 184d, the seventh transparent electrode 187d, the eighth transparent electrode 188d, the eleventh transparent electrode 191d and the twelfth transparent electrode and a second substrate 121d having 192d formed thereon.

A first transparent electrode 181d, a second transparent electrode 182d, a fifth transparent electrode 185d, a sixth transparent electrode 186d, a ninth transparent electrode 189d and a tenth transparent electrode 190d are formed on the first substrate 111d. A first alignment film 114d is formed to cover the .

Further, on the second substrate 121d, a third transparent electrode 183d, a fourth transparent electrode 184d, a seventh transparent electrode 187d, an eighth transparent electrode 188d, an eleventh transparent electrode 191d and a twelfth transparent electrode are formed. A second alignment film 124d is formed to cover the electrode 192d.

Also, the first transparent electrode 181d and the second transparent electrode 182d on the first substrate 111d face the third transparent electrode 183d and the fourth transparent electrode 184d on the second substrate 121d. A fifth transparent electrode 185d and a sixth transparent electrode 186d on the first substrate 111d face a seventh transparent electrode 187d and an eighth transparent electrode 188d on the second substrate 121d. A ninth transparent electrode 189d and a tenth transparent electrode 190d on the first substrate 111d are opposed to an eleventh transparent electrode 191d and a twelfth transparent electrode 192d on the second substrate 121d.

A sealing material 150d is provided on the periphery of each of the first substrate 111d and the second substrate 121d, and bonds the first substrate 111d and the second substrate 121d. A liquid crystal layer 160d containing liquid crystal is formed by a first substrate 111d (more specifically, a first alignment film 114d), a second substrate 121d (more specifically, a second alignment film 124d), and a seal. It is provided in a space surrounded by the material 115d.

The basic configurations of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d are the same. However, the first transparent electrode 181, the second transparent electrode 182, the third transparent electrode 183, the fourth transparent electrode 184, the fifth transparent electrode 185, the sixth transparent electrode 186, and the seventh transparent electrode 187 , the eighth transparent electrode 188, the ninth transparent electrode 189, the tenth transparent electrode 190, the eleventh transparent electrode 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 are different.

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the first transparent electrode 181a, the second transparent electrode 182a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a, the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a are The third transparent electrode 183a, the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a, the eighth transparent electrode 188a, the eleventh transparent electrode 191a, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a extend in the y-axis direction. It extends in the x-axis direction.

The first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a and the sixth transparent electrode 186a, and the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a are alternately arranged in the x-axis direction. They are arranged in a comb shape. The third transparent electrode 183a and fourth transparent electrode 184a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a and eighth transparent electrode 188a, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191a and twelfth transparent electrode 192a alternate in the second direction. are arranged in a comb shape. In plan view, the direction in which the first transparent electrode 181a, the second transparent electrode 182a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a, the ninth transparent electrode 189a, and the tenth transparent electrode 190a extend (Y-axis direction) is the extension of the third transparent electrode 183a, the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a, the eighth transparent electrode 188a, the eleventh transparent electrode 191a, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a. Although it is perpendicular to the existing direction (x-axis direction), it may intersect with a slight deviation.

In the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the first transparent electrode 181b, the second transparent electrode 182b, the fifth transparent electrode 185b, the sixth transparent electrode 186b, the ninth transparent electrode 189b, and the tenth transparent electrode 190b are A third transparent electrode 183b, a fourth transparent electrode 184b, a seventh transparent electrode 187b, an eighth transparent electrode 188b, an eleventh transparent electrode 191b, and a twelfth transparent electrode 192b extending in the y-axis direction are It extends in the x-axis direction.

The first transparent electrode 181b and the second transparent electrode 182b, the fifth transparent electrode 185b and the sixth transparent electrode 186b, and the ninth transparent electrode 189b and the tenth transparent electrode 190b are alternately arranged in the x-axis direction. They are arranged in a comb shape. The third transparent electrode 183b and fourth transparent electrode 184b, the seventh transparent electrode 187b and eighth transparent electrode 188b, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191b and twelfth transparent electrode 192b alternate in the second direction. are arranged in a comb shape. In plan view, the direction in which the first transparent electrode 181b, the second transparent electrode 182b, the fifth transparent electrode 185b, the sixth transparent electrode 186b, the ninth transparent electrode 189b, and the tenth transparent electrode 190b extend (Y-axis direction) is the extension of the third transparent electrode 183b, the fourth transparent electrode 184b, the seventh transparent electrode 187b, the eighth transparent electrode 188b, the eleventh transparent electrode 191b, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192b. Although it is perpendicular to the existing direction (x-axis direction), it may intersect with a slight deviation.

In the third liquid crystal cell 110c, the first transparent electrode 181c, the second transparent electrode 182c, the fifth transparent electrode 185c, the sixth transparent electrode 186c, the ninth transparent electrode 189c, and the tenth transparent electrode 190c are The third transparent electrode 183c, the fourth transparent electrode 184c, the seventh transparent electrode 187c, the eighth transparent electrode 188c, the eleventh transparent electrode 191c, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192c extend in the y-axis direction. It extends in the x-axis direction.

The first transparent electrode 181c and the second transparent electrode 182c, the fifth transparent electrode 185c and the sixth transparent electrode 186c, and the ninth transparent electrode 189c and the tenth transparent electrode 190c are alternately arranged in the x-axis direction. They are arranged in a comb shape. The third transparent electrode 183c and fourth transparent electrode 184c, the seventh transparent electrode 187c and eighth transparent electrode 188c, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191c and twelfth transparent electrode 192c alternate in the second direction. are arranged in a comb shape. In plan view, the direction in which the first transparent electrode 181c, the second transparent electrode 182c, the fifth transparent electrode 185c, the sixth transparent electrode 186c, the ninth transparent electrode 189c, and the tenth transparent electrode 190c extend (Y-axis direction) is the extension of the third transparent electrode 183c, the fourth transparent electrode 184c, the seventh transparent electrode 187c, the eighth transparent electrode 188c, the eleventh transparent electrode 191c, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192c. Although it is perpendicular to the existing direction (x-axis direction), it may intersect with a slight deviation.

In the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, the first transparent electrode 181d, the second transparent electrode 182d, the fifth transparent electrode 185d, the sixth transparent electrode 186d, the ninth transparent electrode 189d, and the tenth transparent electrode 190d are A third transparent electrode 183d, a fourth transparent electrode 184d, a seventh transparent electrode 187d, an eighth transparent electrode 188d, an eleventh transparent electrode 191d, and a twelfth transparent electrode 192d extending in the y-axis direction are It extends in the x-axis direction.

The first transparent electrode 181d and the second transparent electrode 182d, the fifth transparent electrode 185d and the sixth transparent electrode 186d, and the ninth transparent electrode 189d and the tenth transparent electrode 190d are alternately arranged in the x-axis direction. They are arranged in a comb shape. The third transparent electrode 183d and the fourth transparent electrode 184d, the seventh transparent electrode 187d and the eighth transparent electrode 188d, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191d and the twelfth transparent electrode 192d alternate in the second direction. are arranged in a comb shape. In plan view, the direction in which the first transparent electrode 181d, the second transparent electrode 182d, the fifth transparent electrode 185d, the sixth transparent electrode 186d, the ninth transparent electrode 189d, and the tenth transparent electrode 190d extend (Y-axis direction) is the extension of the third transparent electrode 183d, the fourth transparent electrode 184d, the seventh transparent electrode 187d, the eighth transparent electrode 188d, the eleventh transparent electrode 191d, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192d. Although it is perpendicular to the existing direction (x-axis direction), it may intersect with a slight deviation.

In plan view, the extending direction (y-axis direction) of the first transparent electrodes 181 provided in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. ) are superimposed so as to match or substantially match each other. Similarly, the transparent electrodes of the same name provided in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d extend in the direction (y-axis direction or x-axis direction). direction) are superimposed so as to match or substantially match each other. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the lower substrate (light source side substrate) of the pair of upper and lower substrates constituting each liquid crystal cell is They are

first substrates

111a and 111b. On the other hand, in the third liquid crystal cell 110c and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, the upper substrates of the pair of upper and lower substrates forming each liquid crystal cell are the

first substrates

111c and 111d.

The first substrate 111a, the first substrate 111b, the first substrate 111c, the first substrate 111d, the second substrate 121a, the second substrate 121b, the second substrate 121c, and the second substrate 121d are For example, a light-transmitting rigid substrate or a light-transmitting flexible substrate can be used. A rigid substrate having translucency is, for example, a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, or a sapphire substrate. The translucent flexible substrate is, for example, a polyimide resin substrate, an acrylic resin substrate, a siloxane resin substrate, or a fluorine resin substrate.

A first transparent electrode 181, a second transparent electrode 182, a third transparent electrode 183, a fourth transparent electrode 184, a fifth transparent electrode 185, a sixth transparent electrode 186, a seventh transparent electrode 187, a The eight transparent electrodes 188, the ninth transparent electrode 189, the tenth transparent electrode 190, the eleventh transparent electrode 191, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 form an electric field in the liquid crystal layer 160 included in each liquid crystal cell. function as an electrode for A first transparent electrode 181, a second transparent electrode 182, a third transparent electrode 183, a fourth transparent electrode 184, a fifth transparent electrode 185, a sixth transparent electrode 186, a seventh transparent electrode 187, a The material forming the eight transparent electrodes 188, the ninth transparent electrode 189, the tenth transparent electrode 190, the eleventh transparent electrode 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 is, for example, a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material is, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

The liquid crystal layer 160a, the liquid crystal layer 160b, the liquid crystal layer 160c, and the liquid crystal layer 160d can refract the transmitted light or change the polarization state of the transmitted light according to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. Liquid crystals contained in each of the liquid crystal layer 160a, the liquid crystal layer 160b, the liquid crystal layer 160c, and the liquid crystal layer 160d can be twisted nematic liquid crystals, for example. In this embodiment, as an example, positive twisted nematic liquid crystal is used as the liquid crystal, but negative twisted nematic liquid crystal may be used by changing the initial orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Further, the liquid crystal preferably contains a chiral agent that imparts twist to the liquid crystal molecules.

A first alignment film 114a, a first alignment film 114b, a first alignment film 114c, a first alignment film 114d, a second alignment film 124a, a second alignment film 124b, a second alignment film 124c, and a second alignment film 124c. Each of the two alignment films 124d aligns the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 160 included in each liquid crystal cell in a predetermined direction. A first alignment film 114a, a first alignment film 114b, a first alignment film 114c, a first alignment film 114d, a second alignment film 124a, a second alignment film 124b, a second alignment film 124c, and a second alignment film 124c. Polyimide resin, for example, can be used as a material for forming each of the two alignment films 124d.

A first alignment film 114a, a first alignment film 114b, a first alignment film 114c, a first alignment film 114d, a second alignment film 124a, a second alignment film 124b, a second alignment film 124c, and a second alignment film 124c. The second alignment film 124d may be imparted with alignment properties by an alignment treatment. Alignment treatment can use, for example, a rubbing method or a photo-alignment method. The rubbing method is a method of rubbing the surface of the alignment film in one direction. The photo-alignment method is a method of emitting linearly polarized ultraviolet rays onto an alignment film.

For the sealing material 115, for example, an epoxy resin adhesive or an acrylic resin adhesive can be used. The adhesive may be of an ultraviolet curable type or a heat curable type.

The liquid crystal optical element 10 includes at least two liquid crystal cells (eg, the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b), so that the light distribution of unpolarized light can be controlled. Therefore, each surface of the first substrate 111a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second substrate 121b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the second substrate 121c of the third liquid crystal cell 110c and the fourth liquid crystal On each surface of the first substrate 111b of the cell 110d, there is no need to provide a pair of polarizing plates such as those provided on the front and rear surfaces of a liquid crystal display element.

<1-3. Arrangement of Transparent Electrode>
FIG. 6 shows a first transparent electrode 181, a second transparent electrode 182, a fifth transparent electrode 185, and a sixth transparent electrode on the first substrate 111 in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 186, a ninth transparent electrode 189, and a tenth transparent electrode 190. FIG. FIG. 7 shows a third transparent electrode 183, a fourth transparent electrode 184, a seventh transparent electrode 187 and an eighth transparent electrode on the second substrate 121 in the liquid crystal optical element according to one embodiment of the present invention. 188, an eleventh transparent electrode 191, and a twelfth transparent electrode 192. FIG. 7 are visible through the second substrate 121, they are indicated by solid lines in FIG. 7 for the sake of clarity. The same applies to FIG. 25 which will be described later.

In the configuration of the transparent electrodes shown in FIG. 6, a first electrode group 117-1, a second electrode group 117-3, and a third electrode group 117-5 are provided on the first substrate 111. In FIG. The second electrode group 117-3 is provided between the first electrode group 117-1 and the third electrode group 117-5. The first electrode group 117-1 is provided so as to face the first optical element 40a and the light exit surface of the first optical element 40a, and the second electrode group 117-3 is provided for the second optical element 40a. The third electrode group 117-5 is provided to face the light exit surfaces of the element 40b and the second optical element 40b, and the third electrode group 117-5 is provided on the light exit surfaces of the third optical element 40c and the third optical element 40c. They are provided so as to face each other.

The first electrode group 117 - 1 includes a first transparent electrode 181 and a second transparent electrode 182 . In the first electrode group 117-1, a potential is supplied to the first transparent electrode 181 and the second transparent electrode 182, and the light is emitted from the first optical element 40a (FIG. 1) used as the right light source, for example. It has a function of transmitting or diffusing the light to be transmitted. The first transparent electrodes 181 and the second transparent electrodes 182 are alternately arranged in the x-axis direction and extend in the y-axis direction. The electrode width of the first transparent electrode 181 and the electrode width of the second transparent electrode 182 are a _first width w1 in the x-axis direction. The inter-electrode distance (electrode spacing) in the x-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 181 and the second transparent electrode 182 is the _first inter-electrode distance s1. The pitch between the electrodes of the _first transparent electrode 181 and the _second transparent electrode 182 is the _first pitch p1, and the _first pitch p1 satisfies p1= _w1 +s1.

The first transparent electrode 181 and the second transparent electrode 182 are electrically connected to the first wiring 116-1 and the second wiring 116-2 formed on the first substrate 111, respectively. . The first wiring 116 - 1 may be formed under the first transparent electrode 181 or may be formed over the first transparent electrode 181 . Also, the first wiring 116 - 1 may be formed in the same layer as the first transparent electrode 181 . The second wiring 116 - 2 may be formed under the second transparent electrode 182 or may be formed over the second transparent electrode 182 . Also, the second wiring 116 - 2 may be formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 182 . In this embodiment, the first transparent electrode 181, the second transparent electrode 182, the first wiring 116-1 and the second wiring 116-2 are formed in the same layer.

The second electrode group 117-3 includes a fifth transparent electrode 185 and a sixth transparent electrode 186. FIG. The second electrode group 117-3 is supplied with a potential to the fifth transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186, and emits light from the second optical element 40b (FIG. 1) used as a center light source, for example. It has a function of transmitting or diffusing the light to be transmitted. The fifth transparent electrodes 185 and the sixth transparent electrodes 186 are alternately arranged in the x-axis direction and extend in the y-axis direction. The electrode width of the fifth transparent electrode 185 and the electrode width of the sixth transparent electrode 186 are a _second width w2 in the x-axis direction. The inter-electrode distance (electrode spacing) in the x-axis direction between the fifth transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 is the _second inter-electrode distance s2. The pitch between the electrodes of the fifth transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 is a _second pitch p2, and the _second pitch p2 satisfies p2 ₌ _w2 ₊ s2.

The fifth transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 are electrically connected to the first wiring 116-1 and the second wiring 116-2 formed on the first substrate 111, respectively. . The first wiring 116 - 1 may be formed under the fifth transparent electrode 185 or may be formed over the fifth transparent electrode 185 . Also, the first wiring 116 - 1 may be formed in the same layer as the fifth transparent electrode 185 . The second wiring 116 - 2 may be formed under the sixth transparent electrode 186 or may be formed over the sixth transparent electrode 186 . Also, the second wiring 116 - 2 may be formed in the same layer as the sixth transparent electrode 186 . In this embodiment, the fifth transparent electrode 185, the sixth transparent electrode 186, the first wiring 116-1 and the second wiring 116-2 are formed in the same layer.

The second width w ₂ , the second inter-electrode distance s ₂ , and the second pitch p ₂ of the fifth transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 are the same as the first transparent electrode 181 and the second transparent electrode 186 . It is narrower than the first width w ₁ , the first inter-electrode distance s ₁ , and the first pitch p ₁ of the electrodes 182 .

The third electrode group 117-5 includes a ninth transparent electrode 189 and a tenth transparent electrode 190. The third electrode group 117-5 is supplied with a potential to the ninth transparent electrode 189 and the tenth transparent electrode 190, and for example, light is emitted from the third optical element 40c (FIG. 1) used as a left light source. It has a function of transmitting or diffusing the light to be transmitted. Since the ninth transparent electrode 189 and the tenth transparent electrode 190 have the same configuration and function as the first transparent electrode 181 and the second transparent electrode 182, detailed description thereof is omitted here. . Note that the functions of the first electrode group 117-1 and the third electrode group 117-5 may be interchanged.

The first alignment film 114a is aligned in the x-axis direction (the direction indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 6). In this case, among the liquid crystal molecules forming the liquid crystal layer 160a, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side are aligned along the x-axis direction. That is, the alignment direction (x-axis direction) of the first alignment film 114a, the first transparent electrode 181, the second transparent electrode 182, the fifth transparent electrode 185, the sixth transparent electrode 186, and the ninth transparent electrode The extending direction (y-axis direction) of 189 and the tenth transparent electrode 190 are orthogonal to each other.

In the configuration of the transparent electrodes shown in FIG. 7, a fourth electrode group 117-2, a fifth electrode group 117-4, and a sixth electrode group 117-6 are provided on the second substrate 121. A fifth electrode group 117-4 is provided between the fourth electrode group 117-2 and the sixth electrode group 117-6. The fourth electrode group 117-2 is provided so as to face the first optical element 40a and the light exit surface of the first optical element 40a, and the fifth electrode group 117-4 is provided for the second optical element 40a. The sixth electrode group 117-6 is provided to face the light exit surfaces of the element 40b and the second optical element 40b, and the sixth electrode group 117-6 is provided on the light exit surfaces of the third optical element 40c and the third optical element 40c. They are provided so as to face each other.

A fourth electrode group 117 - 2 includes a third transparent electrode 183 and a fourth transparent electrode 184 . The fourth electrode group 117-2 is supplied with a potential to the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184, and for example, light is emitted from the first optical element 40a (FIG. 1) used as a right light source. It has a function of transmitting or diffusing the light to be transmitted. The third transparent electrodes 183 and the fourth transparent electrodes 184 are alternately arranged in the y-axis direction and extend in the x-axis direction. The electrode width of the third transparent electrode 183 and the electrode width of the fourth transparent electrode 184 are a _third width w3 in the x-axis direction. The inter-electrode distance (electrode spacing) in the x-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 is the _third inter-electrode distance s3. The pitch between the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 is a _third pitch p3, and the _third pitch _p3 satisfies _p3 = _w3 +s3.

The third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 are electrically connected to the third wiring 116-3 and the fourth wiring 116-4 formed on the second substrate 121, respectively. there is The third wiring 116 - 3 may be formed under the third transparent electrode 183 or may be formed over the third transparent electrode 183 . Also, the third wiring 116 - 3 may be formed in the same layer as the third transparent electrode 183 . The fourth wiring 116 - 4 may be formed under the fourth transparent electrode 184 and may be formed over the fourth transparent electrode 184 . Also, the fourth wiring 116 - 4 may be formed in the same layer as the fourth transparent electrode 184 . In this embodiment, the third transparent electrode 183, the fourth transparent electrode 184, the third wiring 116-3 and the fourth wiring 116-4 are formed in the same layer.

A fifth electrode group 117 - 4 includes a seventh transparent electrode 187 and an eighth transparent electrode 188 . The fifth electrode group 117-4 is supplied with a potential to the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188, and the light is emitted from the second optical element 40b (FIG. 1) used as a center light source, for example. It has a function of transmitting or diffusing the light to be transmitted. The seventh transparent electrodes 187 and the eighth transparent electrodes 188 are alternately arranged in the y-axis direction and extend in the x-axis direction. The electrode width of the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the electrode width of the eighth transparent electrode 188 are a _fourth width w4 in the x-axis direction. The inter-electrode distance (electrode spacing) in the x-axis direction between the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188 is the _fourth inter-electrode distance s4. The pitch between the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188 is a _fourth pitch p4, and the _fourth pitch p4 satisfies _p4 = _w4 + _s4 .

The seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188 are electrically connected to the third wiring 116-3 and the fourth wiring 116-4 formed on the second substrate 121, respectively. . The third wiring 116 - 3 may be formed below the seventh transparent electrode 187 or may be formed above the seventh transparent electrode 187 . Also, the third wiring 116 - 3 may be formed in the same layer as the seventh transparent electrode 187 . The fourth wiring 116 - 4 may be formed below the eighth transparent electrode 188 and may be formed above the eighth transparent electrode 188 . Also, the fourth wiring 116 - 4 may be formed in the same layer as the eighth transparent electrode 188 . In this embodiment, the seventh transparent electrode 187, the eighth transparent electrode 188, the third wiring 116-3 and the fourth wiring 116-4 are formed in the same layer.

The fourth width w ₄ , the fourth inter-electrode distance s ₄ , and the fourth pitch p ₄ of the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188 are the same as those of the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 188 . It is narrower than the third width w ₃ , the third inter-electrode distance s ₃ , and the third pitch p ₃ of the transparent electrode 184 .

The sixth electrode group 117-6 includes an eleventh transparent electrode 191 and a twelfth transparent electrode 192. The sixth electrode group 117-6 is supplied with a potential to the eleventh transparent electrode 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192, and emits light from the third optical element 40c (FIG. 1) used as a left light source, for example. It has a function of transmitting or diffusing the light to be transmitted. Since the eleventh transparent electrode 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 have the same configuration and function as the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184, detailed description thereof is omitted here. . The functions of the fourth electrode group 117-2 and the sixth electrode group 117-6 may be switched.

The second alignment film 124 is subjected to alignment treatment in the y-axis direction (the direction indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 7). In this case, among the liquid crystal molecules forming the liquid crystal layer 160, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 121 side are aligned along the y-axis direction. That is, the alignment direction (y-axis direction) of the second alignment film 124, the third transparent electrode 183, the fourth transparent electrode 184, the seventh transparent electrode 187, the eighth transparent electrode 188, and the eleventh transparent electrode The extending direction (x-axis direction) of the 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 is perpendicular to each other.

It can be said that the first transparent electrode 181 and the second transparent electrode 182 are formed on the first substrate 111 in a comb-like pattern having a _first pitch p1. It can be said that the electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 are formed on the first substrate 111 in a comb pattern with the _second pitch p2, and the ninth transparent electrode 189 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 are formed on the first substrate 111 in a comb pattern. It can be said that the ten transparent electrodes 190 are formed on the first substrate 111 in a comb-like pattern having a _first pitch p1. Similarly, it can be said that the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 are formed on the second substrate 121 in a comb pattern having a _third pitch p3. 7 transparent electrode 187 and eighth transparent electrode 188 are formed on the second substrate 121 in a comb pattern having a _fourth pitch p4, and the eleventh transparent electrode 187 is formed on the second substrate 121. It can be said that the 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 are formed on the second substrate 121 in a comb-like pattern having a _third pitch p3.

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the first transparent electrode 181 and the second transparent electrode 182, the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 face each other with the liquid crystal layer 113 interposed therebetween. The transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186, the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188 face each other with the liquid crystal layer 113 interposed therebetween, and the ninth transparent electrode 189 and the tenth transparent electrode 189 face each other. 190 , the eleventh transparent electrode 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 face each other with the liquid crystal layer 113 interposed therebetween.

Here, the extending direction ( y-axis direction) extends the third transparent electrode 183, the fourth transparent electrode 184, the seventh transparent electrode 187, the eighth transparent electrode 188, the eleventh transparent electrode 191, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192. direction (x-axis direction). In other words, the comb-shaped electrode pattern formed on the first substrate 111 and the comb-shaped electrode pattern formed on the second substrate 121 are orthogonal to each other in plan view.

Also, the first substrate 111 is formed with a fifth wiring 116-5 and a sixth wiring 116-6. When the first substrate 111 is attached to the second substrate 121, the third wiring 116-3 and the fourth wiring 116-4 are connected to the fifth wiring 116- provided on the first substrate 111, respectively. 5 and sixth wiring 116-6. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each electrode shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is provided on the surface of each substrate on which the liquid crystal layer is provided, opposite to the surface in contact with the transparent adhesive layer. . In other words, the electrodes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are provided on the surfaces of the substrates facing each other (opposing surfaces) with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. For example, when the first substrate 111 is viewed from the light emitting side of the liquid crystal optical element 10 (the side opposite to the side where the light source 20 is provided in the z-axis direction), each electrode shown in FIG. In the liquid crystal cell 110a, it is provided on the front surface (opposing surface) of the first substrate 111a, and in the third liquid crystal cell 110c, it is provided on the back surface (opposing surface) of the first substrate 111c. For example, when the second substrate 121 is viewed from the light emitting side of the liquid crystal optical element 10, each electrode shown in FIG. , and in the third liquid crystal cell 110c, it is provided on the surface (opposing surface) of the second substrate 121c.

The third wiring 116-3 and the fifth wiring 116-5, and the fourth wiring 116-4 and the sixth wiring 116-6 are electrically connected using, for example, silver paste or conductive particles. can do. The conductive particles include metal-coated particles.

In this embodiment, the first direction in which the first transparent electrodes 181 and the second transparent electrodes 182 are alternately arranged, and the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 are alternately arranged. Although they are orthogonal to the second direction, it is sufficient that they intersect. Similarly, the first direction in which the fifth transparent electrodes 185 and the sixth transparent electrodes 186 are alternately arranged, and the second direction in which the seventh transparent electrodes 187 and the eighth transparent electrodes 188 are alternately arranged. 2 directions are perpendicular to each other, but it is sufficient that they intersect. The second direction in which the transparent electrodes 191 and the twelfth transparent electrodes 192 are alternately arranged is perpendicular to the second direction, but it is sufficient that they cross each other. The crossing angle is, of course, 90 degrees, preferably in the range of 90±10 degrees, more preferably in the range of 90±5 degrees.

On the side of the first substrate 111 facing the second substrate 121 or on the side of the second substrate 121 facing the first substrate 111, a gap between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 121 is provided. A photospacer is formed to hold the (not shown).

A first wiring 116-1, a second wiring 116-2, a third wiring 116-3, a fourth wiring 116-4, a fifth wiring 116-5, and a sixth wiring 116-6 are formed. A metal material or a transparent conductive material can be used as the material. Metallic materials or transparent conductive materials are, for example, aluminum, molybdenum, indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Note that the first wiring 116-1, the second wiring 116-2, the third wiring 116-3, the fourth wiring 116-4, the fifth wiring 116-5, and the sixth wiring 116-6 may be provided with terminals for connecting to an external device, and includes a first wiring 116-1, a second wiring 116-2, a third wiring 116-3, a fourth wiring 116-4, and a fifth wiring 116-4. The wiring 116-5 and the sixth wiring 116-6 may be terminals for connecting to an external device.

The first wiring 116-1, the second wiring 116-2, the fifth wiring 116-5 (or the third wiring 116-3), and the sixth wiring 116-6 (or the fourth wiring 116- 4) are electrically isolated from each other. Therefore, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the first transparent electrode 181a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a, the ninth transparent electrode 189a, the second transparent electrode 182a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a, the tenth a transparent electrode 190a, a third transparent electrode 183a, a seventh transparent electrode 187a, an eleventh transparent electrode 191a, a fourth transparent electrode 184a, an eighth transparent electrode 188a, and a twelfth transparent electrode 192a. can be independently controlled, and the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 113 can be controlled using each transparent electrode. For example, the first transparent electrode 181a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a, and the ninth transparent electrode 189a are supplied with the first potential V1, and the second transparent electrode 182a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a, and the tenth transparent electrode 182a are supplied with the first potential V1. The second transparent electrode 190a is supplied with the second potential V2, the third transparent electrode 183a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191a are supplied with the third potential V3, and the fourth transparent electrode 190a is supplied with the third potential V3. 184a, the eighth transparent electrode 188a, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a are supplied with the fourth potential V4. Note that the first potential V1, the second potential V2, the third potential V3, and the fourth potential V4 may be different potentials or may be the same potential.

The illumination device 30 according to this embodiment includes a first transparent electrode 181 and a second transparent electrode 182 included in the first electrode group 117-1 of the first substrate 111, and a fourth electrode 182 of the second substrate 121. By intersecting the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 included in the electrode group 117-2, the potential supplied to each transparent electrode is controlled to control the orientation of the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer 113. be able to. Further, the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment includes the fifth transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 included in the second electrode group 117-3 of the first substrate 111, and the second substrate 121. By intersecting the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188 included in the fifth electrode group 117-4, the potential supplied to each transparent electrode is controlled to orient the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 113. can be controlled. Further, the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment includes the ninth transparent electrode 189 and the tenth transparent electrode 190 included in the third electrode group 117-5 of the first substrate 111, and the second substrate 121. By intersecting the eleventh transparent electrode 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 included in the sixth electrode group 117-6, the voltage supplied to each transparent electrode is controlled to orient the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 113. can be controlled. As a result, the liquid crystal optical element 10 receives light from three different directions emitted from the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c, and the first electrode group 117-1. And the fourth electrode group 117-2 is used to transmit the light to the right side or diffuse while transmitting, and the second electrode group 117-3 and the fifth electrode group 117-4 are used to transmit the light to the center or Diffusing while transmitting, and transmitting or diffusing to the left using the third electrode group 117-5 and the sixth electrode group 117-6.

Further, in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the present embodiment, the second electrode group 117-3 provided at the center or approximately the center of the first substrate 111 and the second electrode group 117-3 provided at the center or approximately the center of the second substrate 121 By narrowing the width of the transparent electrodes of the fifth electrode group 117-4, the distance between the electrodes, and the pitch between the electrodes, the second electrode group 117-3 and the fifth electrode group 117-4 When an electric potential is supplied to the transparent electrode provided in the layer, the range in which the liquid crystal is oriented can be controlled within a narrow range. That is, in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the present embodiment, the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b having the same transparent electrode arrangement are laminated, and the x-axis direction of the light diffused to the center or substantially the center is It is possible to more finely control the degree of diffusion of light to. Further, in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the present embodiment, the third liquid crystal cell 110c having the same transparent electrode arrangement is placed on the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b having the same transparent electrode arrangement. and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d are stacked, and the degree of diffusion of light diffused toward the center or approximately the center in the y-axis direction can be controlled more finely. As a result, the light from the second optical element 40b arranged in the center or near the center can be more finely diffused in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the light distribution and the light distribution pattern in the horizontal and vertical directions can be more finely controlled.

In addition, in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to this embodiment, the end of the second transparent electrode 182, the end of the sixth transparent electrode 186, and the end of the tenth transparent electrode 190 are connected to the first wiring 116. It is located a distance d ₁ from -1. The end of the first transparent electrode 181, the end of the fifth transparent electrode 185, and the end of the ninth transparent electrode 189 are arranged apart from the _second wiring 116-2 by a distance d2. . The end of the fourth transparent electrode 184 is arranged at a distance d3 from the _third wiring 116-3. The end of the eighth transparent electrode 188 is arranged at a distance d5 from the _third wiring 116-3. The end of the twelfth transparent electrode 192 is arranged at a distance _d7 from the third wiring 116-3. The end of the third transparent electrode 183 is arranged apart from the _fourth wiring 116-4 by a distance d4. The end of the _seventh transparent electrode 187 is arranged at a distance d6 from the fourth wiring 116-4. The end of the eleventh transparent electrode 191 is arranged at a distance d ₈ from the fourth wiring 116-4. The distance d1 and the distance d2 are larger than the _first inter _- electrode distance s1 and the _second inter _- electrode distance width s2. Distance d ₃ , distance d ₄ , distance d ₅ , distance d ₆ , distance d ₇ , and distance d ₈ are greater than third inter-electrode distance s ₃ and fourth inter-electrode distance width s ₄ . By arranging the ends of the transparent electrodes away from the wiring 116 that connects the transparent electrodes, the horizontal electric field generated between the transparent electrodes is reduced by the distance between the ends of the transparent electrodes and the wiring 116 . can be reduced to a negligible level. Therefore, in the illumination device 30 according to this embodiment, the influence of the electric field generated between the end of the transparent electrode and the wiring 116 can be suppressed. In this embodiment, an electric field generated between adjacent transparent electrodes may be called a lateral electric field.

<1-4. Control of Light Distribution by Liquid Crystal Optical Element 10>
8 and 9 are schematic end cross-sectional views showing the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 160a in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 and 9 correspond to part of end cross-sectional views of the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b taken along line A1-A2 shown in FIG. 3, respectively. In the following description, the configuration of the first liquid crystal cell 110a or the second liquid crystal cell 110b is mainly described.

In FIG. 8, a potential is supplied to the first transparent electrode 181a, the second transparent electrode 182a, the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the first transparent electrode 181b, the second transparent electrode 182b, and the fourth transparent electrode 184b. The liquid crystal optical element 10 is shown in an unfilled state. In FIG. 9, potentials are supplied to the first transparent electrode 181a, the second transparent electrode 182a, the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the first transparent electrode 181b, the second transparent electrode 182b, and the fourth transparent electrode 184b. The liquid crystal optical element 10 is shown in the closed state. Specifically, a Low potential is supplied to the first transparent electrode 181a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, and the second transparent electrode 182a and the third transparent electrode 183a (not shown) are supplied. is supplied with a high potential. Similarly, a Low potential is supplied to the first transparent electrode 181b and the fourth transparent electrode 184b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, and a High potential is applied to the second transparent electrode 182b and the third transparent electrode 183b (not shown). A potential is being supplied. In FIG. 9, for the sake of convenience, the Low potential and the High potential are illustrated using symbols "-" and "+", respectively. In this embodiment, an electric field generated between adjacent transparent electrodes may be called a lateral electric field.

The first alignment film 114a is aligned in the x-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111a side of the liquid crystal layer 160a are aligned in the x-axis direction. That is, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111a side is the direction perpendicular to the extending direction (y-axis direction) of the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a. Also, the second alignment film 124a is aligned in the y-axis direction. Further, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 121a side of the liquid crystal layer 160a are aligned in the y-axis direction. That is, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 121a side of the liquid crystal layer 160a is orthogonal to the extending direction (x-axis direction) of the fourth transparent electrode 184a and the third transparent electrode 183a (FIG. 7). is the direction. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160a are oriented while being twisted by 90 degrees, with the direction of the long axis gradually changing from the x-axis direction to the y-axis direction from the first substrate 111a to the second substrate 121a. ing.

When a potential is supplied to the transparent electrodes, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules changes as shown in FIG. Due to the influence of the horizontal electric field between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a of the liquid crystal layer 160a, the liquid crystal molecules on the side of the first substrate 111a of the liquid crystal layer 160a as a whole move toward the first substrate 111a. is oriented in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction with respect to Similarly, due to the influence of the horizontal electric field between the fourth transparent electrode 184a and the third transparent electrode 183a of the liquid crystal layer 160a, the liquid crystal molecules on the side of the second substrate 121a of the liquid crystal layer 160a as a whole move to the second are oriented in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction with respect to the substrate 121a. The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160a located substantially in the center between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a hardly change their orientation by any lateral electric field. Therefore, the light incident on the liquid crystal layer 160a is diffused in the x-axis direction according to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules aligned in an arcuate shape convex in the x-axis direction on the side of the first substrate 111a, and diffused into the second substrate 121a. The light is diffused in the y-axis direction according to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules aligned in an arc shape convex in the y-axis direction.

In addition, since the first substrate 111a and the second substrate 121a have a sufficient distance between the substrates, the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a of the first substrate 111a The transverse electric field between the two substrates 121a does not affect the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 121a side, or is negligibly small. Similarly, does the lateral electric field between the fourth transparent electrode 184a and the third transparent electrode 183a of the second substrate 121a affect the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111a side? or so small that it can be ignored.

The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160b when the potential is supplied to the first transparent electrode 181b to the fourth transparent electrode 184b are the same as the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160a, so the explanation is omitted here.

Next, the distribution of light transmitted through the liquid crystal optical element 10 will be described. Light emitted from a light source has a polarized component in the x-axis direction (P-polarized component) and a polarized component in the y-axis direction (S-polarized component). will be explained separately. That is, the light emitted from the light source (see (1) in FIGS. 8 and 9) includes first polarized light 310 having a P-polarized component and second polarized light 320 having an S-polarized component. 8 and 9, the arrow symbol and the circle symbol with a cross represent the P-polarized component and the S-polarized component, respectively. The light emitted from the light source is the light incident on the liquid crystal optical element 10 (incident light 180).

After being incident on the first substrate 111a, the first polarized light 310 changes from a P-polarized component to an S-polarized component according to the twist of the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules as it moves toward the second substrate 121a (FIGS. 8 and 9). See (2) to (4) inside). More specifically, the first polarized light 310 has a polarization axis in the x-axis direction on the first substrate 111a side, but gradually changes its polarization axis in the process of passing through the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 160a. change to The first polarized light 310 has a polarization axis in the y-axis direction on the second substrate 121a side, and is then emitted from the second substrate 121a side (see (5) in FIGS. 8 and 9). ).

Here, when a horizontal electric field is generated between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111a side are formed in an arcuate shape convex in the x-axis direction due to the influence of the horizontal electric field. , and the refractive index distribution changes. Therefore, the first polarized light 310 diffuses in the x-axis direction according to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules. Further, when a horizontal electric field is generated between the fourth transparent electrode 184a and the third transparent electrode 183a, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 121a side are arcuately projected in the y-axis direction due to the influence of the horizontal electric field. orient and the refractive index distribution changes. Therefore, the first polarized light 310 diffuses in the y-axis direction according to changes in the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules.

Therefore, when no horizontal electric field is generated (see FIG. 8), the polarization component of the first polarized light 310 transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 110a changes from the P polarized component to the S polarized component. On the other hand, when a horizontal electric field is generated (see FIG. 9), the first polarized light 310 transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 110a changes from the P polarized component to the S polarized component, and and diffuse in the y-axis direction.

After being incident on the first substrate 111a, the second polarized light 320 changes from the S polarized component to the P polarized component according to the twist of the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules as it moves toward the second substrate 121a (FIGS. 8 and 9). See (2) to (4) inside). More specifically, the second polarized light 320 has a polarization axis in the y-axis direction on the first substrate 111a side, but gradually changes its polarization axis in the process of passing through the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 160a. change to Further, the second polarized light 320 has a polarization axis in the x-axis direction on the second substrate 121a side, and is then emitted from the second substrate 121a side (see (5) in FIGS. 8 and 9). ).

Here, when a horizontal electric field is generated between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111a side are formed in an arcuate shape convex in the x-axis direction due to the influence of the horizontal electric field. , and the refractive index distribution changes. However, since the polarization axis of the second polarized light 320 is orthogonal to the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111a side, it is not affected by the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules and passes through without being diffused. . Further, when a horizontal electric field is generated between the fourth transparent electrode 184a and the third transparent electrode 183a, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 121a side are arcuately projected in the y-axis direction due to the influence of the horizontal electric field. orient and the refractive index distribution changes. However, since the polarization axis of the second polarized light 320 is orthogonal to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 121a side, it is not affected by the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules and passes through without being diffused. .

Therefore, the second polarized light 320 transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 110a is The polarization component changes from the S polarization component to the P polarization component, but there is no diffusion.

The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b also have the same refractive index distribution as the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a. However, the first polarized light 310 and the second polarized light 320 are affected by the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160b because the polarization axis is changed by passing through the first liquid crystal cell 110a. Polarization is reversed. That is, not only when no lateral electric field is generated (see FIG. 8) but also when a lateral electric field is generated (see FIG. 9), the first polarized light 310 transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 110b is Although the polarization component changes from the S polarization component to the P polarization component, it does not diffuse (see (6) to (8) in FIGS. 8 and 9). On the other hand, when no horizontal electric field is generated (see FIG. 8), the polarization component of the second polarized light 320 transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 110b changes from the P polarized component to the S polarized component only. When a horizontal electric field is generated (see FIG. 9), the second polarized light 320 transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 110b changes its polarization component from the P polarization component to the S polarization component, and the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. Axial diffusion.

As can be seen from the above, in the liquid crystal optical element 10, by stacking two liquid crystal cells (the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b) having the same structure, the light incident on the liquid crystal optical element 10 is is changed by two degrees. As a result, in the liquid crystal optical element 10, the polarization component before incidence and the polarization component after incidence can be kept unchanged (see (1) and (9) in FIGS. 8 and 9). That is, in the liquid crystal optical element 10, the polarization component of the incident light 180 and the polarization component of the output light 200 can be made the same.

Further, the liquid crystal optical element 10 supplies a potential to the transparent electrode to change the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 160a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, thereby refracting the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 110a. can be made Specifically, the first liquid crystal cell 110a diffuses the light of the first polarized light 310 (P-polarized component) in the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, or both the x-axis and y-axis directions. The liquid crystal cell 110b can diffuse the light of the second polarized light 320 (S-polarized component) in the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, or both the x-axis and y-axis directions.

8 and 9 show only the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b, and the light distribution of light passing through the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b is described. The same applies to the light distribution of light passing through the third liquid crystal cell 110c and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. That is, the third liquid crystal cell 110c diffuses the light of the second polarized light 320 (S-polarized component) in the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, or both the x-axis and y-axis directions, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d can scatter light of the first polarization 310 (the P-polarization component) along the x-axis, the y-axis, or both the x- and y-axes.

<1-5. Supply of Potential to Transparent Electrode of Liquid Crystal Optical Element 10>
FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a lighting device 30 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the connection of the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, the illumination device 30 includes a sensor 60, a control circuit 70, a light source 20 that includes three optical elements: a first optical element 40a, a second optical element 40b, and a third optical element 40c; A liquid crystal optical element 10 is included. Since the liquid crystal optical element 10 and the light source 20 have the configurations and functions described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Sensor 60 is electrically connected to control circuit 70 . A control circuit 70 is electrically connected to the light source 20 and the liquid crystal optical element 10 .

The sensor 60 is, for example, an infrared sensor. The sensor 60 detects, for example, a person near the sensor and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 70 .

The control circuit 70 includes circuits for driving the liquid crystal optical element 10 and the light source 20 . For example, when the control circuit 70 receives the detection signal from the sensor 60, the flexible wiring substrate ( (not shown) to output a potential for controlling the alignment state of the liquid crystal. When the control circuit 70 receives a detection signal from the sensor 60, the control circuit 70 outputs to the light source 20 via a flexible wiring board (not shown) a potential for controlling ON or OFF of the LED of the light source 20. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first transparent electrode 181a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a, and the ninth transparent electrode 189a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the first transparent electrode 181d of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, The fifth transparent electrode 185d and the ninth transparent electrode 189d are connected to a first potential supply line 461 that supplies a first potential V1. That is, a first transparent electrode 181a, a fifth transparent electrode 185a, and a ninth transparent electrode 189a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, and a first transparent electrode 181d and a fifth transparent electrode of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. 185d and the ninth transparent electrode 189d are electrically connected to each other.

Also, the second transparent electrode 182a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second transparent electrode 182d and the sixth transparent electrode of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. 186d and the tenth transparent electrode 190d are connected to a second potential supply line 462 that supplies a second potential V2. That is, the second transparent electrode 182a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second transparent electrode 182d and the sixth transparent electrode of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. 186d and the tenth transparent electrode 190d are electrically connected to each other.

a third transparent electrode 183a, a seventh transparent electrode 187a, and an eleventh transparent electrode 191a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a; a third transparent electrode 183d and a seventh transparent electrode 187d of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d; and the eleventh transparent electrode 191d are connected to a third potential supply line 463 that supplies a third potential V3. That is, the third transparent electrode 183a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the third transparent electrode 183d, and the seventh transparent electrode of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. 187d and the eleventh transparent electrode 191d are electrically connected to each other.

a fourth transparent electrode 184a, an eighth transparent electrode 188a and a twelfth transparent electrode 192a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a; a fourth transparent electrode 184d and an eighth transparent electrode 188d of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d; and the twelfth transparent electrode 192d are connected to a fourth potential supply line 464 that supplies a fourth potential V4. That is, the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the eighth transparent electrode 188a, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the fourth transparent electrode 184d, and the eighth transparent electrode of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. 188d and the twelfth transparent electrode 192d are electrically connected to each other.

a first transparent electrode 181b, a fifth transparent electrode 185b, and a ninth transparent electrode 189b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b; a first transparent electrode 181c and a fifth transparent electrode 185c of the third liquid crystal cell 110c; and the ninth transparent electrode 189c are connected to a fifth potential supply line 481 that supplies a fifth potential V5. That is, the first transparent electrode 181b, the fifth transparent electrode 185b, and the ninth transparent electrode 189b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the first transparent electrode 181c, and the fifth transparent electrode of the third liquid crystal cell 110c. 185c and the ninth transparent electrode 189c are electrically connected to each other.

the second transparent electrode 182b, the sixth transparent electrode 186b and the tenth transparent electrode 190b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b; the second transparent electrode 182c and the sixth transparent electrode 186c of the third liquid crystal cell 110c; and the tenth transparent electrode 190c are connected to a sixth potential supply line 482 that supplies a sixth potential V6. That is, the second transparent electrode 182b, the sixth transparent electrode 186b, and the tenth transparent electrode 190b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the second transparent electrode 182c, and the sixth transparent electrode of the third liquid crystal cell 110c. 186c and the tenth transparent electrode 190c are electrically connected to each other.

the third transparent electrode 183b, the seventh transparent electrode 187b and the eleventh transparent electrode 191b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b; the third transparent electrode 183c and the seventh transparent electrode 187c of the third liquid crystal cell 110c; and the eleventh transparent electrode 191c are connected to a seventh potential supply line 483 that supplies a seventh potential V7. That is, the third transparent electrode 183b, the seventh transparent electrode 187b, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third transparent electrode 183c, and the seventh transparent electrode of the third liquid crystal cell 110c. 187c and the eleventh transparent electrode 191c are electrically connected to each other.

the fourth transparent electrode 184b, the eighth transparent electrode 188b, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b; the fourth transparent electrode 184c, the eighth transparent electrode 188c of the third liquid crystal cell 110c; and the twelfth transparent electrode 192c are connected to an eighth potential supply line 484 that supplies an eighth potential V8. That is, the fourth transparent electrode 184b, the eighth transparent electrode 188b, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192b of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the fourth transparent electrode 184c, and the eighth transparent electrode of the third liquid crystal cell 110c. 188c and the twelfth transparent electrode 192c are electrically connected to each other.

The first potential V1 to the eighth potential V8 shown in FIG. 11 may be fixed potentials or variable potentials. The first to eighth potential supply lines 461 to 484 are supplied not only with low and high potentials, but also with intermediate potentials between low and high potentials. That is, the first potential V1 to the eighth potential V8 include three potentials with different absolute values. Therefore, the liquid crystal optical element 10 transmits light emitted from the three optical elements of the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. The light is diffused, and the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment can variously control the light distribution and light distribution pattern.

In the following description, for convenience, the potential supplied to each transparent electrode is a first variable potential (for example, a low potential of 0 V and a high potential of 30 V), and a second variable potential whose phase is opposite to the first variable potential. (for example, Low potential is 0 V and High potential is 30 V) and intermediate potential (for example, 15 V). The intermediate potential is a potential between the Low potential and the High potential, and may be a fixed potential or a variable potential. The potential supplied to each transparent electrode according to this embodiment is an example, and the potential supplied to each transparent electrode is not limited to the potential shown here.

<1-5-1. When controlling three optical elements>
FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the optical axis of the second optical element 40a is set at a polar angle of 0°, and the optical elements are arranged in the left-right direction of the paper surface (the same applies to FIGS. 13 to 17). In FIG. 12, the control circuit 70 turns on the LEDs of the three optical elements (the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c) with different light emitting directions. 4 is a graph in the case where potentials are supplied to the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c, and intermediate potentials are supplied to the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal optical element 10. FIG. That is, the first to eighth potentials V1 to V8 supplied from the control circuit 70 to the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal optical element 10 are intermediate potentials.

At this time, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, there is no potential difference between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, and no potential difference between the third transparent electrode 183a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a. In each of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a. Light emitted from the optical element 40a passes through the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, and has a peak polar angle of 40 degrees. The light is emitted from the liquid crystal optical element 10 as light.

Similarly, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, there is no potential difference between the fifth transparent electrode 185a and the sixth transparent electrode 186a, and no potential difference between the seventh transparent electrode 187a and the eighth transparent electrode 188a. In each of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a. Light emitted from the optical element 40b passes through the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, and peaks at a polar angle of 0 degrees, for example. is emitted from the liquid crystal optical element 10 as light having a Similarly, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, there is no potential difference between the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a, and between the eleventh transparent electrode 191a and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a. In each of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a. Light emitted from the element 40c passes through the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, and peaks at a polar angle of -40 degrees, for example. is emitted from the liquid crystal optical element 10 as light having a

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the lighting device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the control circuit 70 turns on the LEDs of the three optical elements (the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c) that emit light in different directions, and the liquid crystal 4 is a graph when a first variable potential or a second variable potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the optical element 10. FIG. For example, the first potential V1, the third potential V3, the fifth potential V5, and the seventh potential V7 supplied from the control circuit 70 to the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal optical element 10 are the first fluctuations. A second potential V2, a fourth potential V4, a sixth potential V6, and an eighth potential V8 are second variable potentials.

At this time, the potential difference between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the potential difference between the third transparent electrode 183a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a, and the potential difference between the fifth transparent electrode 185a and the sixth transparent electrode 186a, the potential difference between the seventh transparent electrode 187a and the eighth transparent electrode 188a, the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191a. and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a is 30 V, and each of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d has the same voltage as the first liquid crystal cell 110a. The potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the electrodes is 30V. As a result, the light emitted from the first optical element 40a, the light emitted from the second optical element 40b, and the light emitted from the third optical element 40c are separated from the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110a. is diffused in each of the third liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. Therefore, the light emitted from the first optical element 40a, the light emitted from the second optical element 40b, and the light emitted from the third optical element 40c are at least at the polar angle 60 shown in FIG. The light is emitted from the liquid crystal optical element 10 as light diffused over a polar angle of -60 degrees.

<1-5-2. When controlling two optical elements>
FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, the control circuit 70 controls the third optical element arranged on the right side of the three optical elements (the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c) that emit light in different directions. A potential for lighting the LED of one optical element 40a and the LED of the third optical element 40c arranged on the left side is supplied to the first optical element 40a and the third optical element 40c. It is a graph when an intermediate potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of a liquid crystal cell. That is, the first to eighth potentials V1 to V8 supplied from the control circuit 70 to the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal optical element 10 are intermediate potentials.

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, there is no potential difference between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, and no potential difference between the third transparent electrode 183a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a. In each of the cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a. The emitted light passes through the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, and is regarded as light having a polar angle of 40 degrees as a peak. It is emitted from the element 10 .

Similarly, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, there is no potential difference between the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a, and between the eleventh transparent electrode 191a and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a. In each of the liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a. The light emitted from is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, and has a peak at a polar angle of -40 degrees, for example. The light is emitted from the liquid crystal optical element 10 as light.

Similarly, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, there is no potential difference between the fifth transparent electrode 185a and the sixth transparent electrode 186a, and no potential difference between the seventh transparent electrode 187a and the eighth transparent electrode 188a. In each of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, but Since the LED of the optical element 40b is not lit, no light is emitted from the second optical element 40b.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, the control circuit 70 controls the third optical element arranged on the right side of the three optical elements (the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c) that emit light in different directions. The LED of the first optical element 40a and the LED of the third optical element 40c arranged on the left side are turned on, and the first variable potential or the second variable potential is applied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10. is supplied. For example, the first potential V1, the third potential V3, the fifth potential V5, and the seventh potential V7 supplied from the control circuit 70 to the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal optical element 10 are the third variation. A second potential V2, a fourth potential V4, a sixth potential V6, and an eighth potential V8 are fourth variable potentials. Here, the third variable potential has a smaller potential difference between the Low potential and the High potential than the first variable potential, and the fourth variable potential has a phase opposite to that of the third variable potential.

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the potential difference between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, the potential difference between the third transparent electrode 183a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the potential difference between the fifth transparent electrode 185a and the fourth transparent electrode 185a, and the 6 transparent electrode 186a, the potential difference between the seventh transparent electrode 187a and the eighth transparent electrode 188a, the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191a and the eleventh transparent electrode 191a. The potential difference between the 12 transparent electrodes 192a is, for example, 10 V or more and 15 V or less. The potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the electrodes similar to 110a is 10 V or more and 15 V or less, and the light emitted from the first optical element 40a and the light emitted from the third optical element 40c are the first liquid crystal It diffuses in each of cell 110a, second liquid crystal cell 110b, third liquid crystal cell 110c, and fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. Therefore, the light emitted from the first optical element 40a and the light emitted from the third optical element 40c are weak at least near the polar angle of 50 degrees and near the polar angle of -50 degrees shown in FIG. It is emitted from the liquid crystal optical element 10 as light that has a peak and is diffused from a polar angle of 60 degrees to a polar angle of −60 degrees. Since the potential difference between the third varying potential and the fourth varying potential is smaller than the potential difference between the first varying potential and the second varying potential, the light generated when the third varying potential and the fourth varying potential are applied is less diffused than when the first variable potential and the second variable potential are applied to each electrode.

<1-5-3. When controlling one optical element>
FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16 , the control circuit 70 controls the left side of the three optical elements (the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c) that emit light in different directions. 3 is a graph when a potential for lighting the LED of the optical element 40c of No. 3 is supplied to the third optical element 40c, and an intermediate potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10. FIG. That is, the first potential V1V1 to the eighth potential V8 supplied from the control circuit 70 to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 are intermediate potentials.

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, there is no potential difference between the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a, and between the eleventh transparent electrode 191a and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a. In each of the third liquid crystal cell 110c and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, since there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, light is emitted from the third optical element 40c. Light passes through the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. It is emitted from the element 10 .

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the potential difference between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, the potential difference between the third transparent electrode 183a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the potential difference between the fifth transparent electrode 185a and the fourth transparent electrode 185a, and the 6 transparent electrode 186a and the potential difference between the seventh transparent electrode 187a and the eighth transparent electrode 188a. 110d, there is no potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, but the LED of the first optical element 40a and the LED of the second optical element 40b are not lit. Therefore, no light is emitted from the first optical element 40a and the second optical element 40b.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between relative luminance and polar angle for light emitted from the illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17, the control circuit 70 controls the left side of the three optical elements (the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c) that emit light in different directions. 10 is a graph when the LED of the third optical element 40c arranged in 1 is turned on, and the first variable potential or the second variable potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10. FIG. For example, the first potential V1, the third potential V3, the fifth potential V5, and the seventh potential V7 supplied from the control circuit 70 to the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal optical element 10 are the fifth variation. A second potential V2, a fourth potential V4, a sixth potential V6, and an eighth potential V8 are sixth variable potentials. Here, the fifth variable potential has a larger potential difference between the Low potential and the High potential than the third variable potential. The sixth variable potential is opposite in phase to the fifth variable potential.

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the potential difference between the ninth transparent electrode 189a and the tenth transparent electrode 190a and between the eleventh transparent electrode 191a and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a is 30 V or slightly smaller. In each of the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d, the potential difference between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a is 30 V or slightly smaller. Therefore, the light emitted from the third optical element 40c is diffused in each of the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. be. Therefore, the light emitted from the third optical element 40c has a weak peak at least near the polar angle of −40 degrees shown in FIG. is emitted from the liquid crystal optical element 10 as.

In the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the potential difference between the first transparent electrode 181a and the second transparent electrode 182a, the potential difference between the third transparent electrode 183a and the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the potential difference between the fifth transparent electrode 185a and the fourth transparent electrode 185a, and the The potential difference between the No. 6 transparent electrode 186a and the potential difference between the seventh transparent electrode 187a and the eighth transparent electrode 188a is 30 V or less, and the second liquid crystal cell 110b, the third liquid crystal cell 110c, and the third liquid crystal cell 110c. 4 liquid crystal cells 110d also have a potential difference of 30 V or less between the electrodes corresponding to the same electrodes as in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, but the LED of the first optical element 40a and the second Since the LED of the optical element 40b is not lit, no light is emitted from the first optical element 40a and the second optical element 40b.

<1-5-4. Example of light distribution pattern>
The light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 18A to 18H are schematic diagrams showing light distribution patterns of light emitted from the illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 18A to 18H are projected onto the exit surface of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d (the surface opposite to the side where the light source 20 is provided in the z-axis direction). is the pattern that is projected (appears on the exit face).

The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18(A) is a light distribution pattern of light corresponding to the relationship between the relative luminance and the polar angle shown in FIG. That is, it is a light distribution pattern of light emitted from the illumination device 30 when three optical elements are lit and an intermediate potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 . The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18A is a light distribution pattern when the right spot light 80a, the center spot light 80b, and the left spot light 80c arranged in the x-axis direction are irradiated.

Also, like the light distribution pattern of light corresponding to the relationship between the relative luminance and the polar angle shown in FIG. Then, the LED of the third optical element 40 c is turned on, and an intermediate potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 . Although illustration is omitted, in this case, spot lights are emitted from the illumination device 30 to the right and left sides with respect to the x-axis direction.

Further, like the light distribution pattern corresponding to the relationship between the relative luminance and the polar angle shown in FIG. An intermediate potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the optical element 10 . Although illustration is omitted, in this case, a spot light is emitted from the illumination device 30 to the left with respect to the x-axis direction.

Also, the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18(B) can be formed. That is, the light emitted from the lighting device 30 when the three optical elements are lit and the first variable potential or the second variable potential is selectively supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10. is a light distribution pattern. More specifically, for each liquid crystal cell, the first variable potential and the second variable potential are alternately supplied to the electrodes arranged in the x-axis direction and extending in the y-axis direction. As a result, incident light from each optical element is diffused in the x-axis direction. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18B shows a state in which light diffused in the x-axis direction (diffused light 81) is emitted.

Further, by using the control circuit 70 to turn on the three optical elements and adjust the potential supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10, the illumination device 30 can be changed to that shown in FIG. 18(C). As shown, right, center, and left light can be emitted as diffused light (diffused light 82a, 82b, 82c) with respect to the y-axis direction. More specifically, for each liquid crystal cell, the first variable potential and the second variable potential are alternately supplied to the electrodes arranged in the y-axis direction and extending in the x-axis direction. As a result, incident light from each optical element is diffused in the y-axis direction. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18C shows a state in which diffused

lights

82a, 82b, and 82c are emitted.

Further, by using the control circuit 70, the illumination device 30 can be configured to have an elliptical shape in which the right, center, and left lights are diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 18(D). It can be irradiated as light (diffused light 83). The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18D shows a state in which diffused light 83 is emitted.

Furthermore, by using the control circuit 70, the illumination device 30 diffuses the right, center, and left lights in a cross shape with respect to the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 18(E). , and can be irradiated as combined light 84 . More specifically, all three optical elements are turned on, and a plurality of electrodes provided on the first substrate 111a side of the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second substrate 121d of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d are illuminated. A first potential V1 and a second potential V2 for supplying potentials to a plurality of electrodes provided on the side are set as a first variable potential and a second variable potential, respectively, and a second substrate of the second liquid crystal cell 110b is provided. A seventh potential V7 and an eighth potential V8 for supplying potentials to the plurality of electrodes provided on the 121b side and the plurality of electrodes provided on the first substrate 111c side of the third liquid crystal cell 110c are applied to the first potential V7 and the eighth potential V8, respectively. and a second variable potential. As a result, incident light from each optical element is diffused in a cross shape in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18(E) shows a state in which light 84 is emitted.

Also, the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18(F) can be formed. That is, among the three optical elements, the LED of the first optical element 40a arranged on the right side and the LED of the third optical element 40c arranged on the left side are turned on, and each liquid crystal of the liquid crystal optical element 10 is turned on. It is a light distribution pattern of light 85 emitted from the illumination device 30 when a first variable potential or a second variable potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of a cell. More specifically, a potential is applied to a plurality of electrodes provided on the first substrate 111a side of the first liquid crystal cell 110a and a plurality of electrodes provided on the second substrate 121d side of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. A first potential V1 and a second potential V2 to be supplied are set to be a first variable potential and a second variable potential, respectively, and a plurality of electrodes provided on the second substrate 121b side of the second liquid crystal cell 110b and a second potential V2 are provided. A seventh potential V7 and an eighth potential V8 for supplying potentials to a plurality of electrodes provided on the first substrate 111c side of the liquid crystal cell 110c of No. 3 are set as the first variable potential and the second variable potential, respectively. . As a result, incident light from each optical element is diffused in a cross shape in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18F shows a state in which light 85 is emitted. As shown in FIG. 18F, the illumination device 30 diffuses the light on the right and left sides in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, respectively, and diffuses the light on the right and left sides in the x-axis direction. can be diffused again by the central group of electrodes of each liquid crystal cell. However, since the light that has diffused in the x-axis direction is diffused again instead of the direct light, the cross-shaped diffusibility does not strongly appear as in the light distribution patterns shown in the

regions

85a and 85b, for example. Near the center, as shown in region 85c, no diffusion effect is visible.

Also, the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18(G) can be formed. That is, among the three optical elements, the LED of the third optical element 40c arranged on the left side is turned on, and each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 is selectively applied with the first variable potential or the second potential. 2 is a light distribution pattern of light emitted from the illumination device 30 when a varying potential of is supplied. More specifically, for each liquid crystal cell, the first variable potential and the second variable potential are alternately supplied to the electrodes arranged in the y-axis direction and extending in the x-axis direction. As a result, incident light from each optical element is diffused in the y-axis direction. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18G shows a state in which light 86 is emitted. As shown in FIG. 18G, the illumination device 30 can emit light obtained by diffusing the light on the left side in the y-axis direction.

The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18(H) can also be formed. That is, among the three optical elements, the LED of the third optical element 40c arranged on the left side is turned on, and the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal optical element 10 are selectively supplied with the first variable potential or the second potential. It is a light distribution pattern of light 87 emitted from the illumination device 30 when a variable potential is supplied. More specifically, a potential is applied to a plurality of electrodes provided on the first substrate 111a side of the first liquid crystal cell 110a and a plurality of electrodes provided on the second substrate 121d side of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d. A first potential V1 and a second potential V2 to be supplied are set to be a first variable potential and a second variable potential, respectively, and a plurality of electrodes provided on the second substrate 121b side of the second liquid crystal cell 110b and a second potential V2 are provided. A seventh potential V7 and an eighth potential V8 for supplying potentials to a plurality of electrodes provided on the first substrate 111c side of the liquid crystal cell 110c of No. 3 are set as the first variable potential and the second variable potential, respectively. . As a result, incident light from each optical element is diffused in a cross shape in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18(H) shows a state in which light 87 is emitted. As shown in FIG. 18H, the illumination device 30 diffuses light on the left side in a cross shape and diffuses the light in the x-axis direction by the electrode group on the center portion and the electrode group on the right side of each liquid crystal cell. Diffuse more to the right and in a cross shape. However, since the light that has diffused in the central direction is diffused again instead of the direct light, the cross-shaped diffusibility does not appear strongly, for example, as shown in the region 87a, the light diffuses beyond the center. The effect is no longer visible.

In the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the present embodiment, the light emitted from three optical elements, that is, the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c, which emit light in different directions, It can transmit and diffuse in the x-axis and y-axis directions. As a result, the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment can variously control the light distribution and the light distribution pattern.

<1-6. First modification of lighting device>
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional end view of a lighting device 30b in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A lighting device 30b shown in FIG. 19 differs from the lighting device 30 shown in FIG. 1 in that the optical element 20b has a support member 50b. The shape of the support member 50b is a concave shape in a cross-sectional view. When the optical elements are arranged as shown in FIG. 19, the first optical element 40a emits light 180a obliquely to the left with respect to the z-axis direction, and the second optical element 40b emits light 180a with respect to the z-axis direction. , and the third optical element 40c emits the light 180c obliquely to the right with respect to the z-axis direction. Since the illumination device 30b is the same as the illumination device 30 in other respects, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

<1-7. Second Modification of Lighting Device>
FIG. 20 is an end cross-sectional view of an optical element 40 according to one embodiment of the invention. The optical element 40 shown in FIG. 20 differs from the optical element 40 shown in FIG. 2 in that it has a convex lens 230 . The convex lens 230 can collect the light emitted from the light emitting element 210 and make the collected light enter the liquid crystal optical element 10 . The reflector 220 may reflect light emitted from the light emitting device 210 and allow the reflected light to enter the convex lens 230 . Since the optical element 40 shown in FIG. 20 is the same as the optical element 40 shown in FIG. 2 in other respects, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described using FIGS. 1 to 20. FIG. The form of the lighting device 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 20 is an example, and the form of the lighting device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the forms shown in FIGS. 1 to 20. FIG.

By using the illumination device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control ON and OFF of the optical elements that emit light in different directions, and to control the potential supplied to each transparent electrode of the liquid crystal optical element. As a result, the transmission and diffusion of light in different directions can be finely controlled with respect to the object to be illuminated.

<Second embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the light source 20c is composed of a fourth optical element 40d, a fifth optical element 40e, and a sixth optical element 40f. The form having is explained. FIG. 21 is an end cross-sectional view of a lighting device 30c according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a plan view of the light source 20c according to the second embodiment of the invention. The form of the lighting device 30c shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is an example, and the form of the lighting device 30c according to the second embodiment is not limited to the form shown in FIGS. In the explanation of the second embodiment, explanations similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted.

The illumination device 30c shown in FIG. 21 differs from the illumination device 30 shown in FIG. 1 in that the light source 20c has a support member 50c. , and a sixth optical element 40f, which differ in that each optical element has a reflector 220 oriented in a different direction in a cross-sectional view. Since the illumination device 30c is the same as the illumination device 30 in other respects, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 21, the illumination device 30c has a liquid crystal optical element 10 and a light source 20c. The light source 20c has an optical element 40 and a support member 50c. The support member 50 c has a role of supporting (fixing) the optical element 40 . The support member 50a has a flat surface in a cross-sectional view. The support member 50c can use the same material as the support member 50a.

The optical element 40 is composed of a fourth optical element 40d, a fifth optical element 40e, and a sixth optical element 40f. The fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction in plan view. In this embodiment, the fourth optical element 40d is arranged next to the fifth optical element 40e, and the fifth optical element 40e is arranged next to the sixth optical element 40f.

The fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f are mounted on the flat surface facing the liquid crystal optical element 10 of the support member 50c. The fourth optical element 40d has a first reflector 220a and a first light emitting element 210a. The fifth optical element 40e has a second reflector 220b and a second light emitting element 210b. The sixth optical element 40f has a third reflector 220c and a third light emitting element 210c.

The first reflector 220a, the second reflector 220b, and the third reflector 220c are arranged in different directions so as to emit reflected light in different directions. For example, when each optical element is arranged as shown in FIG. 21, a fourth optical element 40d having a first reflector 220a emits light 180d obliquely to the right with respect to the z-axis direction. A fifth optical element 40e having two reflectors 220b emits light 180e parallel or substantially parallel to the z-axis direction, and a sixth optical element 40f having a third reflector 220c emits light 180e in the z-axis direction. On the other hand, the light 180f is emitted obliquely to the left.

The positional relationship between the fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f and each electrode group is the same as that of the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element. This is the same as the positional relationship between 40c and each electrode group. For example, the first electrode group 117-1 and the fourth electrode group 117-2 are provided so as to face the light exit surfaces of the fourth optical element 40d and the fourth optical element 40d, and the second electrode group 117-1 and the fourth electrode group 117-2 The group 117-3 and the fifth electrode group 117-4 are provided so as to face the light exit surfaces of the fifth optical element 40e and the fifth optical element 40e. Six electrode groups 117-6 are provided so as to face the sixth optical element 40f and the light exit surface of the sixth optical element 40f.

In this embodiment, the optical element 40 and the liquid crystal optical element 10 having reflectors facing in different directions are arranged as shown in FIG. In other words, each of the fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f has a reflector, and the fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f each have a reflector. One liquid crystal optical element 10 is arranged as shown in FIG. 21 for the three optical elements of the optical element 40f having different light emitting directions. As a result, three optical elements are used as a left light source, a center light source, and a right light source, and the liquid crystal optical element 10 transmits or diffuses the light emitted from each optical element in different directions. can be made

A plurality of each of the fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f may be randomly provided on the support member 50c. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 22, three each of the fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f are randomly provided on the support member 50c.

By using the light source 20c having a plurality of optical elements with different light emitting directions, for example, it is possible to selectively emit light with high rectilinearity and strong light in oblique directions. For example, in a transportation means such as a car, an airplane, or a train, by arranging the lighting device 30c, the center seat is irradiated with light with high straightness among the three adjacent seats, and the light on the right side of the center is illuminated. Adjacent seats can be obliquely illuminated with strong light. That is, the illumination device 30 can simultaneously irradiate a plurality of different objects with light beams directed in different directions.

Various configurations can be used for the light source 20c. For example, the light source 20c may be a light source having a structure in which light guide plates are stacked, or may be an LED in which an LED emitting red, an LED emitting green, and an LED emitting blue are provided on one substrate. It may be a direct-type MiniLED forming an array, or it may be an organic light-emitting device (OLED). Also, a convex lens 230 shown in FIG. 20 may be provided between each optical element and the liquid crystal optical element 10 .

<Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f included in the light source 20c shown in the second embodiment are provided with liquid crystal optics. A mode in which one element is provided will be described. FIG. 23 is an end cross-sectional view of a lighting device 30d according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The form of the lighting device 30d shown in FIG. 23 is an example, and the form of the lighting device 30d according to the third embodiment is not limited to the form shown in FIG. In the explanation of the third embodiment, explanations similar to those of the first and second embodiments may be omitted.

Compared with the lighting device 30c shown in FIG. 21, the lighting device 30d shown in FIG. 23 has a , in that one liquid crystal optical element is provided. Since the illumination device 30d is the same as the illumination device 30c in other respects, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

A lighting device 30d shown in FIG. 23 has a liquid crystal optical element 10a, a liquid crystal optical element 10b, a liquid crystal optical element 10c, and a light source 20c. The configuration of the light source 20c is similar to that of the light source 20c shown in the second embodiment, and the light source 20c has a fourth optical element 40d, a fifth optical element 40e, and a sixth optical element 40f.

The fourth optical element 40d faces the liquid crystal optical element 10a, and light 180d emitted from the fourth optical element 40d in a right oblique direction with respect to the z-axis direction enters the liquid crystal optical element 10a. The fifth optical element 40e faces the liquid crystal optical element 10b, and light 180e emitted from the fifth optical element 40e parallel or substantially parallel to the z-axis direction enters the liquid crystal optical element 10b. The sixth optical element 40f faces the liquid crystal optical element 10c, and light 180f emitted from the sixth optical element 40f in a left oblique direction with respect to the z-axis direction enters the liquid crystal optical element 10c.

The positional relationship between the fourth optical element 40d, the fifth optical element 40e, and the sixth optical element 40f and each electrode group is the same as that of the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element. This is the same as the positional relationship between 40c and each electrode group. For example, each electrode group included in the liquid crystal optical element 10a is provided so as to face the light emitting surface of the fourth optical element 40d and the fourth optical element 40d, and each electrode group included in the liquid crystal optical element 10b Each electrode group included in the liquid crystal optical element 10c is provided so as to face the light exit surfaces of the fifth optical element 40e and the fifth optical element 40e. is provided so as to face the light exit surface of the .

By using the illumination device 30d shown in FIG. 23, it is possible to more finely control the transmission and diffusion of light in different directions with respect to the object to be irradiated with light.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the fourth embodiment, a form in which each transparent electrode can be independently controlled with respect to the arrangement of the transparent electrodes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described. FIG. 24 shows a first transparent electrode 181, a second transparent electrode 182, a fifth transparent electrode 185 and a sixth electrode on a first substrate 111 in a liquid crystal optical element 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a transparent electrode 186, a ninth transparent electrode 189, and a tenth transparent electrode 190; FIG. 25 shows a third transparent electrode 183, a fourth transparent electrode 184, a seventh transparent electrode 187 and an eighth electrode on the second substrate 121 in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a transparent electrode 188, an eleventh transparent electrode 191, and a twelfth transparent electrode 192; FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view for explaining the connection of the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. The form of the liquid crystal optical element 10 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 is an example, the form of the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the fourth embodiment is an example, and the form of the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the fourth embodiment is It is not limited to the forms shown in FIGS. 24-26. In the description of the fourth embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the first to third embodiments may be omitted.

The arrangement of the transparent electrodes shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 differs from the arrangement of the transparent electrodes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in that each transparent electrode can be controlled independently. The arrangement of the transparent electrodes shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is the same as the arrangement of the transparent electrodes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, so detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In FIG. 24, the first transparent electrode 181 is electrically connected to the first wiring 116-1. The second transparent electrode 182 is electrically connected to the second wiring 116-2. The fifth transparent electrode 185 is electrically connected to the seventh wiring 116-7. The sixth transparent electrode 186 is electrically connected to the eighth wiring 116-8. The ninth transparent electrode 189 is electrically connected to the thirteenth wiring 116-13. The tenth transparent electrode 190 is electrically connected to the fourteenth wiring 116-14.

First wiring 116-1, second wiring 116-2, fifth wiring 116-5, sixth wiring 116-6, seventh wiring 116-7, eighth wiring 116-8, eleventh wiring The wiring 116-11, the 12th wiring 116-12, the 13th wiring 116-13, the 14th wiring 116-14, the 17th wiring 116-17, and the 18th wiring 116-18 are connected to the first is provided on the substrate 111 of the

The first wiring 116-1 may be formed under the first transparent electrode 181, may be formed over the first transparent electrode 181, and may be formed in the same layer as the first transparent electrode 181. good. The second wiring 116-2 may be formed under the second transparent electrode 182, may be formed over the second transparent electrode 182, and may be formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 182. good. The seventh wiring 116-7 may be formed under the fifth transparent electrode 185, may be formed over the fifth transparent electrode 185, and may be formed in the same layer as the fifth transparent electrode 185. good. The eighth wiring 116-8 may be formed under the sixth transparent electrode 186, may be formed over the sixth transparent electrode 186, and may be formed in the same layer as the sixth transparent electrode 186. good. The thirteenth wiring 116-13 may be formed under the ninth transparent electrode 189, may be formed over the ninth transparent electrode 189, and may be formed in the same layer as the ninth transparent electrode 189. good. The fourteenth wiring 116-14 may be formed under the tenth transparent electrode 190, may be formed over the tenth transparent electrode 190, and may be formed in the same layer as the tenth transparent electrode 190. .

In FIG. 25, the third transparent electrode 183 is electrically connected to the third wiring 116-3. The fourth transparent electrode 184 is electrically connected to the fourth wiring 116-4. The seventh transparent electrode 187 is electrically connected to the ninth wiring 116-9. The eighth transparent electrode 188 is electrically connected to the tenth wiring 116-10. The eleventh transparent electrode 191 is electrically connected to the fifteenth wiring 116-15. The twelfth transparent electrode 192 is electrically connected to the sixteenth wiring 116-16.

The third wiring 116-3, the fourth wiring 116-4, the ninth wiring 116-9, the tenth wiring 116-10, the fifteenth wiring 116-15, and the sixteenth wiring 116-16 are It is provided on the second substrate 121 .

The third wiring 116-3 may be formed under the third transparent electrode 183, may be formed over the third transparent electrode 183, and may be formed in the same layer as the third transparent electrode 183. good. The fourth wiring 116-4 may be formed under the fourth transparent electrode 184, may be formed over the fourth transparent electrode 184, and may be formed in the same layer as the fourth transparent electrode 184. good. The ninth wiring 116-9 may be formed under the seventh transparent electrode 187, may be formed over the seventh transparent electrode 187, and may be formed in the same layer as the seventh transparent electrode 187. good. The tenth wiring 116-10 may be formed under the eighth transparent electrode 188, may be formed over the eighth transparent electrode 188, and may be formed in the same layer as the eighth transparent electrode 188. good. The fifteenth wiring 116-15 may be formed under the eleventh transparent electrode 191, may be formed over the eleventh transparent electrode 191, and may be formed in the same layer as the eleventh transparent electrode 191. good. The sixteenth wiring 116-16 may be formed under the twelfth transparent electrode 192, may be formed over the twelfth transparent electrode 192, and may be formed in the same layer as the twelfth transparent electrode 192. .

When the first substrate 111 is bonded to the second substrate 121, the third wiring 116-3, the fourth wiring 116-4, the ninth wiring 116-9, and the third wiring 116-9 provided on the second substrate 121 are provided. The 10th wiring 116-10, the 15th wiring 116-15, and the 16th wiring 116-16 are the fifth wiring 116-5 and the sixth wiring 116-6 provided on the first substrate 111, respectively. , 11th wiring 116-11, 12th wiring 116-12, 17th wiring 116-17, and 18th wiring 116-18.

Third wiring 116-3 and fifth wiring 116-5, fourth wiring 116-4 and sixth wiring 116-6, ninth wiring 116-9 and eleventh wiring 116-11, tenth wiring The wiring 116-10 and the 12th wiring 116-12, the 15th wiring 116-15 and the 17th wiring 116-17, and the 16th wiring 116-16 and the 18th wiring 116-18 are, for example, , silver paste or conductive particles can be used to electrically connect. The conductive particles include metal-coated particles.

First wiring 116-1, second wiring 116-2, fifth wiring 116-5, sixth wiring 116-6, seventh wiring 116-7, eighth wiring 116-8, eleventh wiring The wiring 116-11, the 12th wiring 116-12, the 13th wiring 116-13, the 14th wiring 116-14, the 17th wiring 116-17, and the 18th wiring 116-18 are connected to the external device It may be a terminal for connecting with.

The first wiring 116-1, the second wiring 116-2, the fifth wiring 116-5 (or the third wiring 116-3), the sixth wiring 116-6 (or the fourth wiring 116-4) ), 11th wiring 116-11 (or 9th wiring 116-9), 12th wiring 116-12 (or 10th wiring 116-10), 17th wiring 116-17 (or 15th wiring The wiring 116-15) and the 18th wiring 116-18 (or the 16th wiring 116-16) are electrically insulated from each other. Therefore, in the first liquid crystal cell 110a, the first transparent electrode 181a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a, the ninth transparent electrode 189a, the second transparent electrode 182a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a, the tenth transparent electrode 190a, the third transparent electrode 183a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a, the eleventh transparent electrode 191a, the fourth transparent electrode 184a, the eighth transparent electrode 188a, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a are independently controlled, Each transparent electrode can be used to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 113 . For example, the first transparent electrode 181a, the fifth transparent electrode 185a, and the ninth transparent electrode 189a are supplied with the first potential V1, and the second transparent electrode 182a, the sixth transparent electrode 186a, and the tenth transparent electrode 182a are supplied with the first potential V1. The second transparent electrode 190a is supplied with the second potential V2, the third transparent electrode 183a, the seventh transparent electrode 187a, and the eleventh transparent electrode 191a are supplied with the third potential V3, and the fourth transparent electrode 190a is supplied with the third potential V3. 184a, the eighth transparent electrode 188a, and the twelfth transparent electrode 192a are supplied with the fourth potential V4. Note that the first potential V1, the second potential V2, the third potential V3, and the fourth potential V4 may be different potentials or may be the same potential.

The illumination device 30 according to this embodiment includes a first transparent electrode 181 and a second transparent electrode 182 included in the first electrode group 117-1 of the first substrate 111, and a fourth electrode 182 of the second substrate 121. By intersecting the third transparent electrode 183 and the fourth transparent electrode 184 included in the electrode group 117-2, the potential supplied to each transparent electrode is controlled to control the orientation of the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer 113. be able to. Further, the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment includes the fifth transparent electrode 185 and the sixth transparent electrode 186 included in the second electrode group 117-3 of the first substrate 111, and the second substrate 121. By intersecting the seventh transparent electrode 187 and the eighth transparent electrode 188 included in the fifth electrode group 117-4, the potential supplied to each transparent electrode is controlled to orient the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 113. can be controlled. Further, the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment includes the ninth transparent electrode 189 and the tenth transparent electrode 190 included in the third electrode group 117-5 of the first substrate 111, and the second substrate 121. By intersecting the eleventh transparent electrode 191 and the twelfth transparent electrode 192 included in the sixth electrode group 117-6, the voltage supplied to each transparent electrode is controlled to orient the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 113. can be controlled. As a result, the liquid crystal optical element 10 converts light from three different directions emitted from the three optical elements (for example, the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c) into Light is transmitted to the right side using the first electrode group 117-1 and the fourth electrode group 117-2, or diffused while being transmitted, and the second electrode group 117-3 and the fifth electrode group 117-4 are used. The third electrode group 117-5 and the sixth electrode group 117-6 can be used to transmit or diffuse while transmitting to the center.

Further, in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the present embodiment, the second electrode group 117-3 provided at the center or approximately the center of the first substrate 111 and the second electrode group 117-3 provided at the center or approximately the center of the second substrate 121 By narrowing the electrode width, the inter-electrode distance, and the inter-electrode pitch of the transparent electrodes of the fifth electrode group 117-4, the second electrode group 117-3 and the fifth electrode group 117-4 When a potential is supplied to the provided transparent electrode, the range in which the liquid crystal is aligned can be controlled within a narrow range. That is, it is possible to more finely control the degree of diffusion of light in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction of the light that diffuses toward the center or approximately the center. In the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the present embodiment, the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b having the same transparent electrode arrangement are stacked, and the light diffused in the center or approximately the center is diffused in the x-axis direction. The degree of diffusion of light can be more finely controlled. Further, in the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the present embodiment, the third liquid crystal cell 110c having the same transparent electrode arrangement is placed on the first liquid crystal cell 110a and the second liquid crystal cell 110b having the same transparent electrode arrangement. and the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d are stacked, and the degree of diffusion of light diffused toward the center or approximately the center in the y-axis direction can be controlled more finely. As a result, the light from the second optical element 40b arranged in the center or near the center can be more finely diffused in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the light distribution and the light distribution pattern in the horizontal and vertical directions can be more finely controlled.

The schematic plan view for explaining the connection of the transparent electrodes shown in FIG. 26 is different from the schematic plan view for explaining the connection of the transparent electrodes shown in FIG. They differ in that they are supplied with an electric potential. Since the diagram shown in FIG. 26 is the same as the diagram shown in FIG. 11 in other respects, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The first transparent electrode 181a and the first transparent electrode 181d are connected to a first potential supply line 461 that supplies a first potential V1. The fifth transparent electrode 185a and the fifth transparent electrode 185d are connected to a ninth potential supply line 465 that supplies a ninth potential V9. The ninth transparent electrode 189a and the ninth transparent electrode 189d are connected to a seventeenth potential supply line 469 that supplies a seventeenth potential V17.

The second transparent electrode 182a and the second transparent electrode 182d are connected to a second potential supply line 462 that supplies the second potential V2. The sixth transparent electrode 186a and the sixth transparent electrode 186d are connected to a tenth potential supply line 466 that supplies a tenth potential V10. The tenth transparent electrode 190a and the tenth transparent electrode 190d are connected to an eighteenth potential supply line 470 that supplies an eighteenth potential V18.

The third transparent electrode 183a and the third transparent electrode 183d are connected to a third potential supply line 463 that supplies a third potential V3. The seventh transparent electrode 187a and the seventh transparent electrode 187d are connected to an eleventh potential supply line 467 that supplies an eleventh potential V11. The eleventh transparent electrode 191a and the eleventh transparent electrode 191d are connected to a nineteenth potential supply line 471 that supplies a nineteenth potential V19.

The fourth transparent electrode 184a and the fourth transparent electrode 184d are connected to a fourth potential supply line 464 that supplies the fourth potential V4. The eighth transparent electrode 188a and the eighth transparent electrode 188d are connected to a twelfth potential supply line 468 that supplies a twelfth potential V12. The twelfth transparent electrode 192a and the twelfth transparent electrode 192d are connected to a twentieth potential supply line 472 that supplies a twentieth potential V20.

The first transparent electrode 181b and the first transparent electrode 181c are connected to a fifth potential supply line 481 that supplies a fifth potential V5. The fifth transparent electrode 185b and the fifth transparent electrode 185c are connected to a thirteenth potential supply line 485 that supplies a thirteenth potential V13. The ninth transparent electrode 189b and the ninth transparent electrode 189c are connected to a 21st potential supply line 489 that supplies a 21st potential V21.

The second transparent electrode 182b and the second transparent electrode 182c are connected to a sixth potential supply line 482 that supplies a sixth potential V6. The sixth transparent electrode 186b and the sixth transparent electrode 186c are connected to a fourteenth potential supply line 486 that supplies a fourteenth potential V14. The tenth transparent electrode 190b and the tenth transparent electrode 190c are connected to a twenty-second potential supply line 490 that supplies a twenty-second potential V22.

The third transparent electrode 183b and the third transparent electrode 183c are connected to a seventh potential supply line 483 that supplies a seventh potential V7. The seventh transparent electrode 187b and the seventh transparent electrode 187c are connected to a fifteenth potential supply line 487 that supplies fifteenth potential V15. The 11th transparent electrode 191b and the 11th transparent electrode 191c are connected to a 23rd potential supply line 491 that supplies a 23rd potential V23.

The fourth transparent electrode 184b and the fourth transparent electrode 184c are connected to an eighth potential supply line 484 that supplies an eighth potential V8. The eighth transparent electrode 188b and the eighth transparent electrode 188c are connected to a sixteenth potential supply line 488 that supplies a sixteenth potential V16. The twelfth transparent electrode 192b and the twelfth transparent electrode 192c are connected to a twenty-fourth potential supply line 492 that supplies a twenty-fourth potential V24.

The first potential V11 to the twenty-fourth potential V24 shown in FIG. 26 may be fixed potentials or variable potentials. The first potential supply line 461 to the 24th potential supply line 492 are supplied with not only the low potential and the high potential, but also an intermediate potential between the low potential and the high potential. That is, the first potential V11 to the twenty-fourth potential V24 include three potentials with different absolute values.

In the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the fourth embodiment, each transparent electrode is independently supplied with a potential from the control circuit 70 (FIG. 10). Therefore, the light emitted from the three optical elements of the first optical element 40a, the second optical element 40b, and the third optical element 40c can be independently transmitted and diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. can be done. As a result, the illumination device including the liquid crystal optical element 10 according to the fourth embodiment can further control the light distribution and the light distribution pattern into various shapes.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the fifth embodiment, a form in which four optical elements are arranged in a matrix in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction will be described. FIG. 27 is a plan view of a light source 20d according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. Light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 28A to 28F are schematic diagrams showing light distribution patterns of light emitted from the illumination device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. For example, the light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 28A to 28F are projected onto the exit surface of the fourth liquid crystal cell 110d (the surface opposite to the side where the light source 20 is provided in the z-axis direction). (irradiated) pattern.
The forms shown in FIGS. 27 and 28(A) to 28(F) are examples, and the fifth embodiment is not limited to the forms shown in FIGS. 27 and 28(A) to 28(F). In the description of the fifth embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the first to fourth embodiments may be omitted.

In FIG. 27, the light source 20d has the optical element 40 and the support member 50d. The optical element 40 is composed of a fifth optical element 40g, a sixth optical element 40h, a seventh optical element 40i, and an eighth optical element 40j. The fifth optical element 40g, the sixth optical element 40h, the seventh optical element 40i, and the eighth optical element 40j are arranged in a matrix in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction on the support member 50d in plan view. placed in

For example, the sixth optical element 40h is arranged adjacent to the fifth optical element 40g in the x-axis direction, and adjacent to the eighth optical element 40j in the y-axis direction. The seventh optical element 40i is arranged diagonally to the sixth optical element 40h, arranged adjacent to the eighth optical element 40j in the x-axis direction, and fifth in the y-axis direction. is positioned adjacent to the optical element 40g. The eighth optical element 40j is arranged diagonally with respect to the fifth optical element 40g. For each optical element, the same optical elements as those shown in the first to fourth embodiments can be used.

Although FIG. 27 shows an example in which each optical element is arranged separately, the arrangement of each optical element is not limited to the example shown in FIG. Each optical element may be arranged in close proximity.

An example in which the support member 50d has a flat surface, and the fifth optical element 40g, the sixth optical element 40h, the seventh optical element 40i, and the eighth optical element 40j are arranged on the flat surface. , the support member 50d is not limited to the example shown in the fifth embodiment. For example, in a cross-sectional view, the support member 50d may have a convex shape as shown in the first embodiment, or may have a concave shape as shown in the first embodiment. Also, the support member 50d can use the same substrate as the

support member

50a or 50b shown in the first embodiment.

The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28(A) shows the amount of light emitted from illumination device 30 when four optical elements are turned on and an intermediate potential is supplied to each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of liquid crystal optical element 10. light distribution pattern. In the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28A, four

spot lights

90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d are irradiated in a matrix in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

In the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28B, two optical elements (fifth optical element 40g and seventh optical element 40i) are turned on, and each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 is illuminated. FIG. 10 is a light distribution pattern of light emitted from the lighting device when one variable potential or a second variable potential is supplied; FIG. In the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28B, light diffused (diffused light 91) along the fifth optical element 40g and the seventh optical element 40i arranged in parallel in the y-axis direction is irradiated. light distribution pattern.

In the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28C, two optical elements (fifth optical element 40g and sixth optical element 40h) are turned on, and each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 is illuminated. FIG. 10 is a light distribution pattern of light emitted from the lighting device when one variable potential or a second variable potential is supplied; FIG. In the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 18C, light diffused (diffused light 92) along the fifth optical element 40g and the sixth optical element 40h arranged in parallel in the x-axis direction is irradiated. .

In the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28(D), the four optical elements are turned on, and each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 is set to the first level of suppressing diffusion of light in the x-axis direction. It is a light distribution pattern of light emitted from the lighting device when a variable potential or a second variable potential is supplied. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28(D) includes the light (diffused light 93a) diffused along the fifth optical element 40g and the seventh optical element 40i arranged in parallel in the y-axis direction, and the y-axis Diffused light (diffused light 93b) is emitted along the sixth optical element 40h and the eighth optical element 40j that are aligned in parallel with the direction.

In the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28(E), four optical elements are turned on, and each transparent electrode of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal optical element 10 is set to the first level of suppressing diffusion of light in the y-axis direction. It is a light distribution pattern of light emitted from the lighting device when a variable potential or a second variable potential is supplied. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28(E) includes the light (diffused light 94a) diffused along the fifth optical element 40g and the sixth optical element 40h arranged in parallel in the x-axis direction, and the x-axis The diffused light (diffused light 94b) is emitted along the seventh optical element 40i and the eighth optical element 40j arranged in parallel to the direction.

A light distribution pattern shown in FIG. It is a light distribution pattern of light emitted from the lighting device. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28(F) includes light diffused along the fifth optical element 40g and the sixth optical element 40h arranged parallel to the x-axis direction, and light diffused along the seventh optical element 40h arranged parallel to the x-axis direction. Light diffused along the optical element 40i and the eighth optical element 40j, light diffused along the fifth optical element 40g and the seventh optical element 40i arranged parallel to the y-axis direction, and y Light 95 is emitted by synthesizing the light diffused along the sixth optical element 40h and the eighth optical element 40j arranged in parallel in the axial direction.

In the light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 28(A) to 28(F), control signals for turning ON or OFF the LEDs of the four optical elements of the light source 20d are sent from the control circuit 70 to the light source 20d. A predetermined potential is supplied from the control circuit 70 to each transparent electrode included in the liquid crystal optical element 10 .

The light source 20d according to the fifth embodiment has four optical elements and can emit light in four directions. The illumination device according to the fifth embodiment includes four optical elements, a fifth optical element 40g, a sixth optical element 40h, a seventh optical element 40i, and an eighth optical element 40j, which emit light in different directions. The liquid crystal optical element 10 can be used to transmit and diffuse the light emitted from the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. As a result, the illumination device according to the fifth embodiment can variously control the light distribution and light distribution pattern.

The configuration of the liquid crystal optical element, the configuration of the light source, and the configuration of the illuminating device described above as the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. In addition, based on the configuration of the liquid crystal optical element, the configuration of the light source, and the configuration of the lighting device, those skilled in the art may appropriately add, delete, or change the design of the constituent elements, or add, omit, or change the conditions of the process. Anything done is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it has the gist of the present invention.

In addition, even if there are other effects different from the effects brought about by the aspect of the embodiment described above, those that are obvious from the description of this specification or those that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art are of course to the present invention.

10: liquid crystal optical element, 10a: liquid crystal optical element, 10b: liquid crystal optical element, 10c: liquid crystal optical element, 20: light source, 20b: optical element, 20c: light source, 20d: light source, 30: illumination device, 30b: illumination device , 30c: illumination device, 30d: illumination device, 40: optical element, 40a: first optical element, 40b: second optical element, 40c: third optical element, 40d: fourth optical element, 40e: fifth optical element, 40f: sixth optical element, 40g: fifth optical element, 40h: sixth optical element, 40i: seventh optical element, 40j: eighth optical element, 50a: supporting member , 50b: support member, 50c: support member, 50d: support member, 60: sensor, 70: control circuit, 80a: right spot light, 80b: center spot light, 80c: left spot light, 81, 82a, 82b, 82c , 83: diffused light, 84, 85, 86, 87: light, 85a, 85b, 85c, 87a: area, 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d: spot light, 91, 92: diffused light, 93a, 93b: diffused light , 94a, 94b: diffused light, 95: light, 110a: first liquid crystal cell, 110b: second liquid crystal cell, 110c: third liquid crystal cell, 110d: fourth liquid crystal cell, 111: first substrate , 111a: first substrate, 111b: first substrate, 111c: first substrate, 111d: first substrate, 113: liquid crystal layer, 114a: first alignment film, 114b: first alignment film, 114c: first alignment film, 114d: first alignment film, 115: sealing material, 116: wiring, 116-1: first wiring, 116-11: eleventh wiring, 116-12: twelfth wiring Wiring 116-13: 13th wiring 116-14: 14th wiring 116-17: 17th wiring 116-18: 18th wiring 116-2: 2nd wiring 116-3 116-4: 4th wiring 116-5: 5th wiring 116-6: 6th wiring 116-7: 7th wiring 116-8: 8th wiring , 117-1: first electrode group, 117-2: fourth electrode group, 117-3: second electrode group, 117-4: fifth electrode group, 117-5: third electrode group , 117-6: sixth electrode group, 121: second substrate, 121a: second substrate, 121b: second substrate, 121c: second substrate, 121d: second substrate, 124: second 124a: second alignment film 124b: second alignment film 124c: second alignment film 124d: second alignment film 130a: first transparent Adhesive layer 130b: Second transparent adhesive layer 130c: Third transparent adhesive layer 150a: Sealing material 150b: Sealing material 150c: Sealing material 150d: Sealing material 160: Liquid crystal layer 160a: Liquid crystal layer , 160b: liquid crystal layer, 160c: liquid crystal layer, 160d: liquid crystal layer, 180: incident light, 180a: light, 180b: light, 180c: light, 180d: light, 180e: light, 180f: light, 181: first Transparent electrode 181a: first transparent electrode 181b: first transparent electrode 181c: first transparent electrode 181d: first transparent electrode 182: second transparent electrode 182a: second transparent electrode , 182b: second transparent electrode, 182c: second transparent electrode, 182d: second transparent electrode, 183: third transparent electrode, 183a: third transparent electrode, 183b: third transparent electrode, 183c : third transparent electrode 183d: third transparent electrode 184: fourth transparent electrode 184a: fourth transparent electrode 184b: fourth transparent electrode 184c: fourth transparent electrode 184d: fourth transparent electrode 4 transparent electrodes 185: fifth transparent electrode 185a: fifth transparent electrode 185b: fifth transparent electrode 185c: fifth transparent electrode 185d: fifth transparent electrode 186: sixth transparent electrode Transparent electrode 186a: sixth transparent electrode 186b: sixth transparent electrode 186c: sixth transparent electrode 186d: sixth transparent electrode 187: seventh transparent electrode 187a: seventh transparent electrode , 187b: seventh transparent electrode, 187c: seventh transparent electrode, 187d: seventh transparent electrode, 188: eighth transparent electrode, 188a: eighth transparent electrode, 188b: eighth transparent electrode, 188c : eighth transparent electrode 188d: eighth transparent electrode 189: ninth transparent electrode 189a: ninth transparent electrode 189b: ninth transparent electrode 189c: ninth transparent electrode 189d: th 9 transparent electrode 190: tenth transparent electrode 190a: tenth transparent electrode 190b: tenth transparent electrode 190c: tenth transparent electrode 190d: tenth transparent electrode 191: eleventh Transparent electrode 191a: 11th transparent electrode 191b: 11th transparent electrode 191c: 11th transparent electrode 191d: 11th transparent electrode 192: 12th transparent electrode 192a: 12th transparent electrode , 192b: 12th transparent electrode, 192c: 12th transparent electrode, 192d: 12th transparent electrode, 200: emitted light, 210: light emitting element, 210a: first light emitting element, 210b: second light emitting element , 210c: the third Light emitting element, 220: reflector, 220a: first reflector, 220b: second reflector, 220c: third reflector, 230: convex lens, 310: first polarized light, 320: second polarized light, 461: first potential supply line, 462: second potential supply line, 463: third potential supply line, 464: fourth potential supply line, 465: ninth potential supply line, 466: tenth potential supply line. potential supply line 467: eleventh potential supply line 468: twelfth potential supply line 469: seventeenth potential supply line 470: eighteenth potential supply line 471: nineteenth potential supply line 472 481: fifth potential supply line 482: sixth potential supply line 483: seventh potential supply line 484: eighth potential supply line 485: thirteenth potential Supply lines 486: 14th potential supply line 487: 15th potential supply line 488: 16th potential supply line 489: 21st potential supply line 490: 22nd potential supply line 491: 23rd potential supply line 492: 24th potential supply line

Claims

a light source having a first optical element and a second optical element that emit light having directivity;
one liquid crystal optical element that transmits or diffuses the light emitted from the light source;
has
wherein the light source is arranged such that the first optical element and the second optical element emit light in different directions;
The liquid crystal optical element is
a first electrode group facing the light exit surface of the first optical element;
a second electrode group facing the light exit surface of the second optical element and provided adjacent to the first electrode group;
has
The first electrode group has a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode alternately arranged with the first transparent electrode,
The second electrode group has a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode alternately arranged with the third transparent electrode,
The lighting device, wherein the pitch at which the first transparent electrodes and the second transparent electrodes are alternately arranged is different from the pitch at which the third transparent electrodes and the fourth transparent electrodes are alternately arranged.
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode group and the second electrode group are electrically connected.
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode group and the second electrode group are independently supplied with potentials.
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, the third transparent electrode, and the fourth transparent electrode are arranged parallel to a first direction.
a first substrate on which the first electrode group and the second electrode group are provided;
a second substrate overlapping the first substrate;
a third electrode group provided on the second substrate so as to face the first electrode group;
a fourth electrode group provided next to the third electrode group on the second substrate so as to face the second electrode group;
5. A lighting device according to claim 4, comprising:
The third electrode group has a fifth transparent electrode and a sixth transparent electrode alternately arranged with the fifth transparent electrode,
The fourth electrode group has a seventh transparent electrode and an eighth transparent electrode alternately arranged with the seventh transparent electrode,
the fifth transparent electrode, the sixth transparent electrode, the seventh transparent electrode, and the eighth transparent electrode are provided parallel to a second direction that intersects the first direction;
6. A lighting device according to claim 5, comprising:
The liquid crystal optical element includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell overlapping the second liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell overlapping the third liquid crystal cell. has a liquid crystal cell of
The first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell are connected to the first electrode group, the second electrode group, and the third electrode group, respectively. Having an electrode group and the fourth electrode group,
7. A lighting device according to claim 6.
the second substrate included in the second liquid crystal cell overlaps the first substrate included in the first liquid crystal cell;
the second substrate included in the third liquid crystal cell overlaps the second substrate included in the second liquid crystal cell;
8. The illumination device according to claim 7, wherein said second substrate included in said fourth liquid crystal cell overlaps said first substrate included in said second liquid crystal cell.
the first transparent electrode and the third transparent electrode are electrically connected and supplied with a first potential;
the second transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode are electrically connected and supplied with a second potential;
the fifth transparent electrode and the seventh transparent electrode are electrically connected and supplied with a third potential;
9. The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein said sixth transparent electrode and said eighth transparent electrode are electrically connected and supplied with a fourth potential.
A control signal for controlling light irradiation of the first optical element and the second optical element is transmitted to the first optical element and the second optical element, and
The first potential is applied to the first transparent electrode and the third transparent electrode, the second potential is applied to the second transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode, and the fifth potential is applied to the fifth transparent electrode. supplying the third potential to the transparent electrode and the seventh transparent electrode, and supplying the fourth potential to the sixth transparent electrode and the eighth transparent electrode;
10. A lighting device according to claim 9, comprising a control circuit.
The control circuit sets each of the first potential, the second potential, the third potential, and the fourth potential to one of at least three potentials having different absolute values. Item 11. The illumination device according to item 10.
The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein the second direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction.
The first optical element and the second optical element are provided on a support member having a convex surface in an end cross section,
The lighting device according to claim 1 .
The first optical element and the second optical element are provided on a support member having a concave surface in an end cross section,
The lighting device according to claim 1 .
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein each of said first optical element and said second optical element has a light-emitting element that emits light when a potential is supplied.
The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein each of said first optical element and said second optical element has a convex lens for condensing light.
2. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein each of said first optical element and said second optical element comprises a reflector for reflecting light to enter said liquid crystal optical element.